ABOUT US
The Springboard Collaborative (TSC) is a statewide Delaware nonprofit building dignified dwellings and communities that foster well-being for Delawareans in greatest need (those experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, economic hardship, etc.), concurrently connecting compromised populations with community resources to build a better life.
We are creating a statewide coalition and a systems solution with key agents, cultivating the conditions via collective impact for Delaware to become the first state to achieve Functional Zero.
Functional Zero = Homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring.
Inspired by Denmark and Finland’s systems approach to housing everyone, Stanford’s Collective Impact methodology, and other approaches to ending homelessness…The Springboard Collaborative was founded in 2020 as a statewide solution to achieving a sustainable, measurable ‘All Housed’ Delaware.
TSC provides disadvantaged Delawareans interim shelter or permanent housing solutions, food security and in partnership with other agencies: healthcare, connection to wrap-around services in the community, and new educational and employment opportunities. We build coalitions to help our marginalized neighbors stabilize, achieve self-reliance and pursue their full potential!
Our Board of Directors
Randall “R.L.” Hughes, Board President
Emergency Management Coordinator at Beebe Healthcare
R.L. Hughes, with a substantial background in law enforcement, served as the Deputy Principal Assistant at the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) from September 2009 to May 2015. Before this role, Hughes had a distinguished 24-year tenure with the Delaware State Police, retiring with the rank of Major. This extensive experience in public safety provided a robust foundation for his responsibilities at DSHS, a department dedicated to safeguarding the lives and property of Delaware's citizens and visitors by preparing for various hazards to ensure public safety.
R.L. transitioned from state policing to homeland security and later to local law enforcement as the Chief of Police in Georgetown from May 2015 to November 2021. His tenure as Chief of Police was marked by several progressive initiatives to enhance community well-being and operational excellence within the Georgetown Police Department. A major hallmark of his leadership was leading the Georgetown Police Department to achieve accredited status from the Delaware Police Accreditation Commission, a testament to his diligence in enhancing operational standards.
After his law enforcement career, Hughes ventured into emergency management, assuming the role of Emergency Management Coordinator at Beebe Healthcare in January 2022. His current position reflects a continuation of his commitment to public safety, now within a healthcare setting, ensuring preparedness and resilience in the face of emergencies.
R.L.'s career trajectory underscores his adaptability and longstanding dedication to community safety and security across different domains within Delaware, showcasing a broad spectrum of public safety expertise. His contributions across state policing, homeland security, local law enforcement, and now emergency management portray a legacy of service focused on enhancing community safety and operational efficacy in each role he has undertaken.
Kim Brockenbrough, Board Secretary
Member of the Delaware Continuum of Care (CoC) and Housing Alliance Delaware
Kim Brockenbrough has had a notable career dedicated to housing and community development within the state of Delaware. Prior to her retirement, she served at the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA), where she held the positions of Planner, Director of Planning and Community Development and Program Manager of the Housing Capacity Building Program.
Her roles encompassed coordination with other state agencies, nonprofits and national and local grant makers to address reentry, housing needs, and homelessness issues within the state. She was instrumental in researching and developing innovative, affordable housing initiatives to meet the diverse needs of Delaware's communities.
Post-retirement, Kim Brockenbrough continues to contribute to the community by serving as a member of the Board of the Delaware Continuum of Care (CoC), and on the Board of Housing Alliance Delaware, specifically holding the position of Secretary. The Delaware CoC is a Statewide community-based effort collaborative aimed at providing a fair and just approach to addressing homelessness and striving towards achieving housing for all. Housing Alliance Delaware is a statewide nonprofit organization that works with partners to address the affordable housing needs in our communities and solve the crisis of homelessness.
Kim serves as the Board liaison between the CoC and the HAD, which together coordinate the Statewide CoC grant which provides more than $8 million annually to support efforts to address homelessness in Delaware.
In addition to her formal roles, Kim has also been acknowledged as a community volunteer, which demonstrates her commitment to making a positive impact in her local community.
Kim's extensive experience and her ongoing involvement with the Delaware Continuum of Care reflect her dedication to addressing housing challenges and fostering community development within Delaware. Her work is a testament to her ability to bridge the gap between various stakeholders and drive initiatives that contribute to the betterment of housing conditions in the state.
Ronald Baron, Board Treasurer
Past President/CEO Del-One Federal Credit Union
As the Board Treasurer at The Springboard Collaborative (TSC), Ron oversees the financial management and governance of a nonprofit organization that provides innovative solutions to homelessness. He brings over 16 years of executive experience as a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at various credit unions and community banks, where Ron enhanced member/shareholder value, increased revenue and profitability, and executed business strategies. Ron retired as the President and CEO of Del-One Federal Credit Union in December 2023 after leading the organization for more than four years.
My core competencies include strategic and tactical planning, forecasting and budgeting, capital planning, expense control, internal and external audit management, investment portfolio management, customer retention and business development, loan workouts, liquidity planning, interest rate risk management, and ALCO. I also have experience with core systems and managing operations, information technology, and facilities staff. I am passionate about advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, and I completed a certificate program from Georgetown University in May 2023. My mission is to use my finance and treasury expertise to support TSC’s vision of empowering disadvantaged individuals to build better lives.
Bill West, Board Member
Mayor of the Town of Georgetown, Delaware
Bill West, a lifelong resident of the Georgetown area, has dedicated a significant portion of his life to public service, particularly in his role as the Mayor of Georgetown, Delaware. He moved to the town in 1979 and later married Faye Collins West, who retired from M&T Bank. The couple has two daughters: Courtney, residing in North Carolina with her husband Zach Johnson, and has two daughters, Cora, age 5, and Ava age 2. Megan and her husband Ben live in Philadelphia Pa and have two children, Owen, age 4, and Carly, age 7 months.
Bill West took on the mantle of Mayor in 2014, showcasing his commitment to the community's growth and prosperity. His tenure saw him re-elected in 2022 for his fifth term with 62 percent of the votes, reflecting robust approval from the local electorate. During the 2022 Mayoral Election, Bill West campaigned with a forward-looking vision, emphasizing the need to attract more businesses to Georgetown in anticipation of population growth, thereby fostering economic development and ensuring the town's readiness to meet future challenges.
Throughout his time in office, Mayor West has worked diligently to uphold the interests of Georgetown's residents, striving for a blend of traditional charm and modern amenities in the town. His leadership reflects a deep-rooted understanding of the community's values, coupled with an eye towards sustainable growth and development. Through a blend of experience, dedication, and a clear vision for Georgetown's future, Mayor West continues to serve his community with distinction and a genuine desire to see it flourish.
Dr. Cydney Teal, Board Member
Partner & Founder, Delaware Health Equity Coalition
Dr. Cydney Teal, with a career spanning over 26 years, is a seasoned medical professional whose expertise lies in both Internal Medicine and Family Medicine. Her medical journey began at the University of Virginia where she attained her undergraduate degree, later pursuing her graduate studies at the Medical College of Virginia School of Medicine. Dr. Teal further honed her medical skills during her residency at Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation.
Dr. Teal held the esteemed positions of the Primary Care Community Medicine Service Line Leader and Chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine at ChristianaCare. In these roles, she worked to steer the Service Line towards achieving Optimal Health, Exceptional Experience, and Organizational Vitality, showcasing her adept leadership skills.
Before her tenure at ChristianaCare, Dr. Teal extended her expertise as the Chief Medical Officer at Union Hospital in Elkton, Maryland. Additionally, she served as an Interim Chief Medical Officer for Reciprocity Health and is recognized as a Certified Physician Executive.
Dr. Teal's career is also marked by notable certifications and affiliations. She holds an MBA, is a Certified Physician Executive (CPE), and is a respected member of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and the American College of Physicians (ACP). Her licensure encompasses the states of Delaware, Maryland, and Louisiana, reflecting her broad-based practice and recognition within the medical community.
Dr Teal currently is a practicing physician at The Delaware Health Equity Coalition (DHEC) a not-for-profit entity committed to delivering a range of healthcare services to medically underserved communities in Wilmington, Delaware. Their services are aimed at fulfilling the distinct needs of each patient regardless of their insurance status.
Dr. Teal's dedication to community medicine and patient-centric care, coupled with her extensive experience and educational background, positions her as a notable figure in the field of family and community medicine. Through her ongoing efforts, Dr. Teal continues to contribute significantly towards enhancing healthcare delivery and promoting a culture of excellence within the medical community.
Tish Anshen, Board Member
Divisional Analyst at W.L Gore and Associates
Tish Anshen is a Financial Analyst with 25 years of experience in corporate finance and business management, currently serving as a Divisional Analyst at W.L Gore and Associates in Newark, DE. Her academic credentials include a BBA from New Mexico State University and an MBA from the University of Delaware.
During her career in the financial sector, Tish has progressively honed her skills, making significant contributions to the organizations she has been part of. Her analytical abilities and insightful understanding of financial dynamics have been crucial in making informed business decisions.
In 2017, Tish broadened her professional scope by engaging in community service. She took on the roles of a board member and finance committee member for Goodwill of Delaware. Additionally, as the Board Treasurer, she has been responsible for overseeing the financial operations, ensuring transparency and effective resource allocation within the organization.
Beyond her professional and community service commitments, Tish values physical fitness and outdoor activities. She regularly partakes in running, cycling, and hiking, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
Residing in Hockessin, DE, with her husband, Tish is also a proud parent to two grown children. Her life reflects a balanced approach, maintaining a harmonious blend of professional responsibilities, community involvement, and personal interests.
Tish is a dedicated professional with a profound understanding of corporate finance, combined with a strong sense of community service. Her continuous endeavor to contribute positively both in her professional realm and the community epitomizes a well-rounded individual with a commendable career trajectory.
Steve Dignan, Board Member
President and Chief Executive Officer, Nickle Electrical Companies
Steve Dignan has made a notable impact in the construction and electrical industry over the past three decades. With over 30 years of experience in the construction field, Dignan currently holds the position of President and Chief Executive Officer at Nickle Electrical Companies based in Newark, Delaware. Under his leadership, Nickle Electrical Companies, initially a small venture founded in 1986 as Paul A. Nickle, Inc., has witnessed substantial growth and evolution. Dignan, alongside his partner Debbie, acquired the company in 1991 and over the subsequent 30 years, expanded it into a multi-million-dollar business.
The journey to success began in earnest when Dignan purchased Nickle Electrical Cos. in 1990, with a modest six-person workforce. Despite the unexpected passing of the company's founder, Paul, in late 1990, Dignan's leadership helped steer the company through uncertain times. His vision and determination were instrumental in not only sustaining the business but also expanding it significantly over the years. The workforce grew from a mere six to 185 employees, including two of Dignan's daughters, portraying a family-oriented culture within the organization.
Steve Dignan's commitment extends beyond business expansion to addressing the skilled labor shortage in Delaware, a state that mirrors the national trend of declining skilled labor in the construction sector. He has been proactive in reaching out to his alma mater, Hodgson Vocational Technical High School, to recruit and encourage apprentices to master their trades. His efforts have not gone unnoticed; under Dignan's stewardship, Nickle Electrical Companies was honored with the Outstanding Service Award by the Delaware Advisory Council on Career and Technical Education for its "exemplary contributions" to the field. Moreover, Dignan was recognized as the best leader of a mid-sized Delaware company, and his firm was ranked third among places where Delaware employees enjoy working at a mid-sized company.
Dignan's long-term vision is not confined to past achievements but is firmly fixed on the next 30 years, aiming to further contribute to the industry and address the skilled labor gap. His leadership has not only led to commercial success but also fostered a culture of trust and family within Nickle Electrical Companies, making it a revered place to work and a significant player in Delaware's construction and electrical sector.
Domenica Personti, Board Member
Founder and CEO at Impact Life
Domenica Personti is a recognized figure in Delaware’s behavioral health sector, with over twenty years of extensive experience spanning various treatment settings including corrections, Medication Assisted Treatment programs, community outreach, and high-end recovery centers. A native of Wilmington, Delaware, her journey began nearly two decades ago as a peer counselor in a corrections-based treatment program, a role that catalyzed her passion and led to further education in the field, largely funded by a scholarship acquired through her notable efforts.
Over the years, her roles within corrections facilities and health clinics exposed her to the harsh realities of addiction, driving her to pursue an Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling to better address the systemic gaps she identified in mental health and addiction treatment services. Before even graduating, Domenica was offered a position to design a community-based recovery program in Wilmington, a testament to her expertise and commitment.
Her personal experience with recovery significantly enhances her ability to relate to, and thereby effectively assist, individuals grappling with addiction. Her approach is holistic, focusing not just on recovery from addiction, but on overall wellness, aiming to provide her clients with the necessary tools to rebuild a sense of self lost to addiction. Her philosophy is underscored by three pillars she ardently believes in: Connection, Compassion, and Kinship, which she emphasizes are crucial to delivering dignified, respectful services that genuinely assist individuals on their recovery journey.
Now at IMPACT Life, Domenica has crafted a program that goes beyond traditional treatment, offering vocational career services, wellness programs, life skills training, and recovery residences. Her efforts are directed at not only aiding individuals to overcome addiction but ensuring they are set up for success post-treatment by addressing critical aspects like employment, legal challenges, effective communication, and overall life management. Through her enduring service and innovative program design, Domenica Personti exemplifies a life dedicated to fostering recovery, wellness, and lasting change in the community she serves.
Jeff Ronald, Board Member and Co-Founder
Senior Vice President of Global Sales at Quantivly
Jeff Ronald, with a career spanning over three decades, has significantly impacted the healthcare and technology sectors, focusing on medical imaging and Telehealth solutions. Starting at W. L. Gore & Associates, he excelled in international sales and market penetration. In 2005, he founded Pinnacle Health, servicing prestigious clients, including Under Armor and the British Consulate in Spain. Transitioning to GE Healthcare in 2008, he managed cardiology and IT solutions accounts for nearly six years, then moved to InTouch Health, strategizing on Telehealth network solutions in the Mid-Atlantic region for two years.
Joining Philips in 2016, Jeff directed the strategic alignment of healthcare system needs with innovative solutions. His journey further led him to Aidoc, where as Senior VP of Sales and Zone Management, he contributed to the development of AI-based decision support software, enhancing medical imaging throughput and patient care. Recently, Jeff assumed the role of Senior Vice President of Global Sales at Quantivly, steering global sales initiatives to aid healthcare organizations in optimizing operations through actionable data insights.
Beyond his professional achievements, Jeff is a committed humanitarian, deeply vested in social justice, mirroring his enduring aim of melding technology with healthcare for enhanced patient-centric care and societal benefit. His extensive experience, strategic leadership, and humanitarian values position him as a distinguished professional in navigating the healthcare tech landscape, aiming for holistic healthcare delivery and social equity.
Judson Malone
Executive Director and Co-Founder
Judson Malone is a committed community advocate residing in Georgetown, DE, with a significant focus on neighborhood revitalization and affordable housing initiatives. He is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Springboard Collaborative, a Delaware-based nonprofit organization dedicated to building dignified dwellings and communities for those in need, especially individuals facing homelessness, housing insecurity, and economic hardship.
Prior to his community work, Judson worked as a consultant for the Howard Hughes Corporation in Columbia, Maryland. He contributed to a new master plan for Columbia's underdeveloped core, a five-year process that concluded with the Downtown Columbia Plan's approval in 2010 by the Howard County government.
As a member in the Baltimore chapter of the Urban Land Institute, he chaired the Regionalism Committee, organized regional planning workshops, and earned certification from the National Charrette Institute as a Charrette Planner and Charrette Facilitator.
Judson was an industrial automation specialist with Schnider Electric early in his career. He then led a software team at a Washington area R&D firm to develop and prototype open architecture real-time control system software for clients like Boeing, General Motors, and the United States Postal Service.
Judson Malone’s diversified professional experience, from urban planning to industrial systems and software development, alongside his steadfast dedication to community advocacy, positions him as a notable figure in Georgetown, DE, driving impactful projects and collaborations to improve the lives of the underprivileged.