Mitch Crane, President

Mitch Crane is serving his second term as president of the BGDSD and prior to that  served two terms as political vice president. Mitch oversaw the drafting and eventual enactment of the Hospital Visitation Bill, which enables patients to be visited by whom they please. Mitch is a Board Member of Equality Delaware and is active in the effort to bring Civil Unions to Delaware. Mitch is a former PA district judge and a member of the Bar for over 30 years.  He also served 10 years as a member of the West Chester (PA) city council, including two years as president. In January, 2011, Mitch ended his service with the Delaware Department of Insurance, where he was Regulatory Counsel and Acting Director of Consumer Services. Mitch resides in Lewes in the home he and his partner John built in 2009.

zoom

Steve Kotrch, Executive Vice President

One of the founding members of Delaware Stonewall, Steve lives in Dover with his partner George of 30 plus years.  Steve took over as Kent County Coordinator when his partner stepped down and served in that capacity for four years before being elected Executive Vice President. He counts getting Senator Brian Bushweller, 17th Senate District and Representative Darryl Scott, 31st District elected among his accomplishments.  He was their contact point for questions concerning SB121 which was passed two years ago.  He continues to be their contact point for any GLBT issues.  He was also an active member of the Kent County Democratic Executive Committee.   

zoom

VP for Development - Norm Spector

Norman Spector is employed with the New Castle County Government working in the Department of Community Services. Prior to his 10 years with the county he worked as a Mortgage Loan Officer and Licensed Real Estate Agent. His family owned business, King Meat Market, was located on King Street in Wilmington.  Norm and his partner George Everett of 23 years look forward to the day they can legally marry in Delaware. Norm is currently serving as the New Castle Coordinator as well.

zoom

Peter Schott, VP for Political Activity

Peter Schott is one of the founders of both National Stonewall Democrats and the Barbara Gittings Delaware Stonewall Democrats and served as its first Executive Vice President. A Democratic activist since the late 60's, he served in numerous elected, volunteer and appointed positions. Peter worked for the US House of Representatives for 25 years, and served as a member of DC's Human Rights Commission. After retiring to Rehoboth he maintained his activism and has become a recognized face and force in local politics. He is also a member of the State Human Relations Commission and  of the Governor’s Committee on Equal Employment Opportunity.

zoom

Larry Peterson, VP for Membership

Professor Emeritus, University of Delaware; Chair of the Delaware 18th RD; Member of New Castle County Diversity Committee and Executive Committee.
Before retiring, Larry ran the Sexuality-Gender Program at the University of Delaware, taught the Current Issues in Sexuality-Gender and Gay-Lesbian Film courses, directed the LGBT Lecture Series, and the Gay-lesbian Film Series.

zoom

Jerry Williams, VP for Public Relations

Jerry Williams, a life-long resident of Sussex County, is new to the political scene.  Having volunteered on some past campaigns Jerry is looking forward to becoming more involved in the Democratic Party as well as helping to forward Delaware’s LGBT equality needs. Jerry’s has experience in Business Management and website design and development. Having also volunteered at the Sussex County AIDS Committee (1996-1999) where Jerry helped create a Junior Board with focus on reaching out to local college students regarding AIDS awareness and prevention, he was able to gain experience with leadership, organization and accountability. Jerry and his partner Charlie reside in Lincoln in their newly built home (2010) with their two dachshunds, Rusty and Isabella.

zoom

Larry Hooker, Treasurer

Larry Hooker is a CPA and has his own tax practice.  He has been a Delaware resident since 1996 and has been active in Delaware Stonewall for many years.  He has also served on several other local non-profit boards.  He resides in Rehoboth Beach DE.

zoom

Shirley Semple, Kent County Coordinator

Shirley Semple graduated with honors from Delaware State University in 2001 with a Bachelors in Nursing. She is currently practicing as a palliative care hospice nurse.

zoom

Norm Spector, New Castle County Coordinator

Norman Spector is employed with the New Castle County Government working in the Department of Community Services. Prior to his 10 years with the county he worked as a Mortgage Loan Officer and Licensed Real Estate Agent. His family owned business, King Meat Market, was located on King Street in Wilmington.  Norm and his partner George Everett of 23 years look forward to the day they can legally marry in Delaware.

zoom

John Workman, Sussex County Coordinator

John Workman retired from the US Army after serving 22 years.  He began his service as an infantryman and was a Staff Sergeant when he left the service.  John is employed with the United States Postal Service.
In addition to his work with Stonewall, John was twice elected to the Milford City Council and is currently president of the Lewes Senior Center. He has been a Democratic Party committeeman since 2002.  John is the proud father of his daughter Kelli.  John resides in Lewes with his partner Mitch.

zoom

Scott Strickler, Secretary

Scott H. Strickler was born and raised in Washington state, where he graduated from Whitman College and the University of Washington School of Law. He is now retired after a 30-year-long career as an attorney for the Federal government, specializing in occupational safety and health law. He lives near Milton, with his partner of 32 years (as of Dec. 2010), David Dagenais, and their dog Skippy. Scott began his active involvement in politics in high school and college, where he was a political science major. He has served on the Board of the Delaware Stonewall Democrats since January 2007, first as Vice President for Membership and currently as Secretary. He is also the Secretary of the 36th Rep. District Democrats and is active in his church and in the Rehoboth Beach Film Society.
zoom