Delaware’s Office of Management and Budget Director Cerron Cade has been placed on paid administrative leave due to a “personal legal matter,” according to a statement from Gov. John Carney’s office.
The nature of the legal matter was not disclosed in the statement.
Carney’s office explained that during his leave, the Department of Human Resources will conduct an investigation to determine whether Cade violated the state’s employee conduct policy.
“Cerron has been a dedicated member of my team for many years, so this is obviously a disappointment and a surprise,” Carney said in a statement. “I am hopeful that he will rise to the occasion and return to his career in the public sector.”
An automated response from Cade’s state email account stated, “This staff member no longer works at this agency in the State of Delaware.” In the meantime, Carney named OMB Deputy Director Courtney Stewart as acting OMB Director.
Cerron Cade was the director of the Delaware Office of Management and Budget. He previously served as Cabinet Secretary for the Delaware Department of Labor.
A long career in government service
This development comes at a crucial time for Cade, who was recently mentioned Chief of Staff to Wilmington Mayor Carney’s new administration.
Tanya Washington, Mayor Purzycki’s chief of staff, has agreed to remain as the City of Wilmington’s chief of staff while this matter is resolved.
Cade has served extensively in Carney’s gubernatorial administration, having served as campaign manager for Governor Carney in 2016. After Carney’s election, Cade was appointed director of Delaware’s Economic Development Office.
Cade, a Wilmington resident who lives a few blocks from Carney, has had a long career in public service.
He served as campaign manager for Carney’s 2016 gubernatorial campaign and later as director of Delaware’s Economic Development Office. Cade also held positions as a legislative assistant in the Delaware State House of Representatives, deputy county director to U.S. Senator Tom Carper, project director to then-Congressman John Carney, and legislative liaison to former Governor Jack Markell.
This is a development story. Contact Delaware Online for updates.
That’s possible ccontact reporter Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com.
This article originally appeared in Delaware News Journal: Delaware budget director Cerron Cade was placed on administrative leave
