Governor Carney Announces Changes to Leadership Team

WILMINGTON, DE - Governor John Carney on Friday announced changes to his leadership team in the Office of the Governor. 

Jonathan Starkey, who has served as chief of staff since 2022, will leave the Governor’s office later this month to serve as senior advisor to Dr. Tony Allen, the president at Delaware State University. Before his tenure as chief of staff, Starkey worked for five years as the Governor’s deputy chief of staff for communications, and communications director. Prior to joining the Governor’s team in late 2016, Starkey was the director of public relations for the Delaware State Housing Authority. A native Delawarean and Dover High School graduate, he previously covered business and politics as a reporter at The News Journal in Wilmington and Dover. 

“Jon led our team through our final two legislative sessions and helped us get big things done— from the Delaware Climate Change Solutions Act and offshore wind to raises for educators and traffic safety legislation,” said Governor Carney. “Jon has been as a critical member of our team, and he’s served as an important advisor to me.  I am thankful for his willingness to serve and advance the progress we’ve made for Delawareans over the last eight years.” 

Jessica Borcky, who served as the Governor’s deputy chief of staff since August 2022, will replace Starkey as chief of staff. Borcky previously served as director of digital government and senior advisor to the governor. She has been a member of the Governor’s team in various roles for over a decade. She is a graduate of Padua Academy and the University of Delaware. 

Jon Sheehan has been named deputy chief of staff. Sheehan is currently chief of policy and senior advisor to the governor. He has been a member of the Governor’s policy team since 2017, and spearheaded the Wilmington Learning Collaborative on behalf of the Governor. Prior to joining the Governor’s administration, Sheehan was a fifth-grade teacher and served as chief of staff at the New York City Department of Education’s Division of Family and Community Engagement. 

“Jess has been an important part of our team for years behind the scenes. She is an extremely hard worker and a committed public servant with sharp instincts, strong organizational skills, and the ability to get things done,” said Governor Carney. “Jon Sheehan is one of the most dedicated and respected individuals on our team who puts his heart and soul into everything he does. Both Jess and Jon have been here since the start of our administration, and I have full confidence they will continue our work for the people of Delaware.”