Valerie McCartan

Valerie McCartan

Degree: 1993, MAUAPP

Job Title: Executive Assistant to the President Pro Tempore, Delaware State Senate

Valerie received her M.A. from the University of Delaware’s College of Urban Affairs & Public Policy in 1993 and her B.A. in Economics and Sociology from the University of Richmond in 1991. 

While at UD, she began with the Center for Community Development, entering the program with an interest in gerontology, the country’s aging population, and related elder policy. She then completely shifted gears and joined the Center for Energy & Environmental Policy, completing her thesis on preserving freshwater wetlands and the value of wetlands ecologically and in land use planning/cluster development because of their natural stormwater retention benefits. Valerie’s research allowed her to also work with Professor David Ames in the Center for Historic Architecture & Design. “It seems even all those years ago, I thrived on the intersection of varied public policies and their impact on our communities,” said Valerie.

Before joining the Delaware State Senate staff, she was a Research Associate at the Center for Energy & Environmental Policy, leading graduate students. This allowed her to collaborate with the Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control (DNREC), the State Energy Office, the State Office of Planning Coordination, and with members of the General Assembly. In 1997, she began working for the State Senate as a legislative assistant. Over the years, Valerie has been assigned to several different senators, gaining valuable experience working with varied constituencies. She later assumed several roles for the majority caucus, including policy director and chief of staff. A highlight was serving on the selection committee for the Legislative Fellows Program, where she witnessed many great UD students gain a one-of-a-kind experience and move on to successful careers in public service. 

Since 2018, she has served as Executive Assistant to the President Pro Tempore, currently held by Senator David Sokola. Having lived in Newark for 33 years, Valerie states, "It is truly a privilege to support Sen. Sokola in his service to constituents in the 8th District, which includes the University and the surrounding area, i.e., my neighbors and home community.”

In this role, she completes various duties, including managing the pro tem’s appointments to state boards, commissions, and task forces. Valerie also staffs the Senate Executive Committee, the legislative body that confirms gubernatorial nominees, including judicial and cabinet agency appointments. She facilitates Sen. Sokola’s legislative initiatives and interfaces with civic organizations and constituents within Sen. Sokola’s district and across the state. 

“By its nature, the work of the General Assembly is dynamic, and throughout my years with the Senate, every day is legitimately different from the last. There’s always something new to learn from the everyday experiences of Delawareans and new challenges to overcome through proposed policy solutions. It’s an honor to have this career in public service. It’s difficult to believe almost 28 years have passed,” says Valerie.

Valerie lives in Newark with her husband, Jack, and son, Luke, a high school senior.