Contact Us
Executive Director
Marilyn J. Smith
(302) 387-6027
marilyn.smith@doverkentmpo.org
Marilyn is the executive director and oversees everything at the MPO office. Please call or email her if you have any questions or concerns, and she will happily assist you.
Marilyn was appointed Executive Director on December 3, 2020. Prior to coming to the MPO, Marilyn served nine years as Senior Economic Development Advisor in the office of U.S. Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20). From 2000-2012, Marilyn was Executive Director for Cornell University (NY) Cooperative Extension in Fulton and Montgomery Counties. Prior to moving to New York State, Marilyn spent ten years working in county government in Utah. Marilyn is also an adjunct faculty member at Excelsior College and Purdue University Global, where she teaches public administration courses. She has a BS in Political Science from Weber State University and an MPA from the University of Utah. When not working, Marilyn enjoys spending time with her husband, their two adult sons, and their families. She also enjoys music, games, road trips, snorkeling, kayaking, and entertaining.
Executive Secretary
Michelle Vinson
(302) 387-6030
michelle.vinson@doverkentmpo.org
Michelle is the one person in the office who can help with any issue or question. Even if that means getting you to the correct staff member to help you. She is always a good first contact person if you don’t know who you need at the MPO. She is also the MPO’s FOIA Coordinator.
Michelle worked for Independent Newspapers for 25 years before retiring. She started in the Graphic Arts department at the Delaware State News and worked her way up to Network Manager for the entire company covering 4 states, 28 newspapers with coordinating websites, and 2 printing companies.
She is married, has 4 children, and a dozen grandchildren. She enjoys watching her grandkids play baseball, watching the Eagles play football, and spending time with her girlfriends.
Principal Planner
Mike Petit de Mange
(302) 387-6030
Michael.PetitdeMange@doverkentmpo.org
Mike is the newest addition to the MPO family. Most recently, he served as Kent County Administrator for the past 16 years. Prior to that, he was employed as Kent County Director of Planning Services and he also served as Director of Planning and Inspections for the City of Dover.
You can call Mike with any questions about current studies, suggestions for any improvements in your area, or simply to find out more about what the MPO is working on now.
In his spare time, Mike enjoys outdoor recreation, especially hiking, biking, and paddle sports. He lives in Dover with his wife Beth. They are the parents of two adult children.
GIS Planner
Mike Ward
(302) 387-6029
Mike is the one behind the interactive maps and all the mapping done at the MPO. Call him if you have any questions regarding any of the maps you find on our website.
Mike spent 38 years with Kent County before retiring and coming over to the MPO part-time.
In his spare time, Mike enjoys bowling, cooking, and spending time with his pup Bam-Bam aka The Bammer.
Public Outreach Manager/Equity Coordinator
Helen Wiles
(302) 387-6026
As the public outreach manager for the Dover Kent MPO, this is who you can call when you have an idea, would like to get more information, or want to schedule an event or program. You would also call her if you don’t know who to speak to since she can always point you in the right direction.
Helen Wiles started as an on-air personality for several local radio stations before jumping the fence to sales and marketing. She worked as an advertising executive, marketing manager, and division director for media companies, state agencies, and not-for-profit organizations. She has also owned her own businesses and is the author of several books. She is a mother of two and has three beautiful grandchildren.
She loves telling people about the MPO, and is always available to speak at your organization, meeting, or event!
Planner II
Malcolm Jacob
(302) 387-6030
malcolm.jacob@doverkentmpo.org
Malcolm is a planner at the Dover Kent MPO. He grew up in southern Maine, and on the beaches and mountains of his home state, he developed a strong interest in the natural world. His education was completed in Massachusetts, consisting of a BA in English from Stonehill College, and most recently, an MS in Environmental Science & Policy from Clark University. He is a researcher at heart who is always looking to find connections between human and environmental issues.
In his free time Malcolm enjoys writing, listening to music, and spending as much time as possible outdoors (especially hiking and camping). He is always eager to meet new people, which is one of the things he looks forward to the most about working in Delaware!
