Navigating a New Chapter: Announcing Delaware Humanities’ New Board Members
July 16, 2026
by Delaware Humanities Staff
We are pleased to announce the appointment of new members to our Board of Directors. With the unique challenges faced by our organization over the past year, from severe cuts to our federal funding from the NEH, to changes in the needs of the humanities organizations we serve, shifts in education, and the rise of AI, our board sought new perspectives and experience from across the state. This year, we are welcoming 11 new board members who bring a wealth of expertise in a variety of professional backgrounds. We look forward to working with them as we navigate our New Chapter and continue to focus on keeping the humanities thriving in Delaware.
Delaware Humanities’ Board of Directors is comprised of individuals who live or work in Delaware and are passionate about the humanities. Board members’ primary responsibilities include strengthening and monitoring the organization’s programs and services; ensuring effective fiscal management, fundraising, and strategic planning; selecting and orienting new board members; evaluating the Executive Director; and promoting Delaware Humanities activities.
Please join us in welcoming our new Board Members! Learn more about their backgrounds below.
Jennifer Powell Acord is the Senior Director of Communications and External Affairs at the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science, where she combines her love of storytelling, strategy, and community connection to advance the museum’s mission. As an Accredited Public Relations professional (APR) through the Public Relations Society of America, she’s spent her career working in the non-profit, government, and corporate sectors, helping organizations share their purpose and impact across Delaware. Jennifer is a proud lifelong Delawarean and graduate of Milford Senior High School and James Madison University. She loves museums, history, and the Oxford comma.
Tanísha L. Baker serves as Senior Director of Alumni Engagement at Delaware State University (DSU), where she oversees the Office of Alumni Engagement and supports DSU alumni through philanthropy, volunteering, and mentorship to advance the University’s mission. With over 15 years of experience in higher education, military service, and mental health advocacy, she brings a unique blend of program development, event management, and trauma-informed care expertise. Tanísha earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Delaware State University and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Bowie State University.
Zjohdell “Dell” Hudson is a leader, REALTOR®, AI consultant, and community advocate dedicated to creating opportunities that transform lives. He dedicates his professional endeavors to overseeing workforce development and youth initiatives. With expertise in artificial intelligence, real estate, and leadership development, Dell is passionate about connecting people with resources, building strong communities, and using innovation to solve real-world challenges while serving others with excellence and integrity.
Beth Kopicki is a Mom of three, Grammy to seven, and former teacher who retired after more than 40 years in the classroom. All of these young people served as impetus for her to become involved in peacemaking. A former Chair of Peace Week Sussex County, she trained with the international peace organization Pace e Bene and founded Nonviolent Seaford four years ago. Nonviolent Seaford works to create a culture of active nonviolence in the local community by collaborating with partners and individuals to bring us closer to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Beloved Community. Ms. Kopicki brings her love of the outdoors, gardening, photography, writing, and the arts to her work. Nonviolent Seaford’s projects include Peace Pals and Visionary Peace Youth Art for our young people, Campaign Nonviolence Action Days each fall, ongoing community outreach , gun lock distribution, and many service, educational programs, and community events with partners from Pacem in Terris DE to the local School District, Library, and Police Department.
Meg McReynolds is a lifelong advocate for libraries, the arts, and the humanities, and currently serves as the Cultural Arts and Community Outreach Coordinator for the Harford County Public Library. She previously worked at the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) for 15 years supporting the network of NEH-funded humanities councils. Before joining NEH, Meg worked at the National Gallery of Art and has also worked in fundraising. She holds an MLS from the University of Maryland, College Park, an MA in Art History from American University, and a BA in Art History and French from Goucher College. In her free time, Meg serves on the board of the Delaware City Library, enjoys traveling with her family, and is an avid gardener.
Mario Nandalal is an undergraduate researcher and International Relations student at the University of Delaware. His research focuses on migration, human security, government transparency, and Caribbean and Latin American affairs. He has conducted research on foreign policy developments across Latin America and the Caribbean, and his work has taken him to academic conferences and scholarly events across the United States and the Netherlands. His academic interests include migration systems, regional governance, and public policy throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
James Peterson, Ph.D. is a writer, educator, and media professional. Dr. Peterson hosts “Evening WURDS” on WURD (900 AM and 96.1 FM) in Philadelphia, PA. He is Professor and Chair of the Department of Languages & Literatures at Delaware State University. Peterson is the author of several books, including The Hip Hop Underground and African American Culture, Prison Industrial Complex for Beginners, and Hip-Hop Headphones: A Scholar’s Critical Playlist. He is a columnist for The Philadelphia Citizen and has written for Fortune.com, Newsweek.com, The Guardian, The LA Times, Reuters, The Huffington Post, The Daily Beast, and The Grio.
Vanity Constance Sanders is a community development strategist, creative project manager, and storyteller recognized for turning bold ideas into meaningful impact. She builds partnerships, leads transformative initiatives, and creates experiences that strengthen communities, elevate organizations, and inspire action. Guided by a commitment to human wellness, creativity, and civic engagement, she brings vision, strategy, and purpose together to create lasting change.
Tom Thunstrom is Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer at County Bank in Sussex County, covering Lewes and Milton. He is the former Area Director at the Delaware Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and has over 20 years of leadership experience in financial services and nonprofit. Tom has a degree in History from the University of Minnesota and is a two-time transplant within the Mid-Atlantic. Prior to living in Delaware, he lived in suburban Philadelphia for 15 years before taking the dive to Sussex County.
Jay Wagamon is President of First Global Technology, bringing 23 years of federal experience, including 12 years focused on AI, to mission-driven technology, secure infrastructure, and government innovation. He has translated emerging AI capabilities into operational programs, strategic partnerships, and disciplined execution across public- and private-sector environments. Jay’s background spans executive leadership, business development, intelligence support, federal contracting, and complex project delivery. He earned an MA in International Relations and Diplomacy from the American Graduate School in Paris, graduating cum laude; an MBA from Maastricht University focused on ethical AI; and a BS in Journalism from West Virginia University. Jay spends most of his free time chasing after his active seven year old son and they love to surf, fish, bike and OneWheel around Southern Delaware.
Ciarra Ware is the Interpretive Administration Manager for Delaware State Parks. Since graduating Wesley College with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Ciarra has spent more than 10 years working in some of Delaware’s greatest historical and cultural institutions. In those spaces, Ciarra has had the opportunity to share her passion for education, history, and community engagement. In her role, she currently helps oversee statewide interpretive programs and day camp administration. Outside of work, Ciarra can be found beachcombing along the Delaware coast, kayaking at Lums Pond State Park, or spending time with her recently adopted cat.