County Executive Tom Gordon's selection of Christine Dunning as Chief of Human Resources was approved by New Castle County Council Tuesday in a unanimous vote.
County Executive Gordon had named Mrs. Dunning Acting Chief of Human Resources in February.
"We're taking advantage of her professional and educational background in HR, along with her experience in running a police department,” County Executive Gordon had said at the time.
“We are excited about the future of the department under the leadership of Chris Dunning,” CAO David Grimaldi had said.
New Castle County Councilwoman Janet Kilpatrick and Councilman Timothy Sheldon were among those who praised the impressive experience Dunning received in the field of human resources while working as a Commanding Officer (Captain) and Lieutenant in the Wilmington Police Department. Council also noted her Master's Degree in Human Resources.
Dunning said she looked forward to carrying out the Executive’s directive to increase the applicant pool and diversity within the County ranks.
"The County Executive has been very mindful of the upcoming retirements and vacancies within the County," she said. “He wants HR to increase its reach throughout the County in an effort to find the best and the brightest for public service.”
Dunning, a Wilmington native, attended St. Thomas Elementary School and graduated from Padua Academy in 1980. In 1984, she completed her Bachelor of Arts Degree at the University of Delaware. Dunning later completed a Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management at Wilmington University while working as a police officer.
Chief Dunning is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and is a member of the Delaware Chapter of the FBI National Academy. She sits on the State Council of Police Training and is a board member of the Kingswood Community Center in Wilmington.
She has been married to her husband, Bob, for 22 years, and together they have three children.
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