Celebrating the People that Help Delaware Prosper

For most of her adult life, Beth Cooper devoted her energy to her family, her community, and her career at Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (CPK) for over 36 years, where she most recently served as Chief Financial Officer for 18 years. As a recent retiree, she’s working to amp up healthcare and education in the First State, serving on the board of directors at Bayhealth and on the board of trustees at University of Delaware.

During your career with Chesapeake, you led more than 20 acquisitions, delivered 17 consecutive years of earnings growth, and grew market capitalization to more than $3 billion. Did doing business in Delaware play a part in that success?

When I think about my career, I am immensely proud of the partnership that CPK has built with the state of Delaware, constructing significant natural gas infrastructure to support strong population growth in Kent and Sussex Counties. More and more residents in the surrounding state see the economic benefits and quality of life that Delaware provides, driving both residential as well as supporting commercial and industrial growth. CPK has been committed to meeting the demand for natural gas in its service areas throughout Delaware. Our team has had so many opportunities to collaborate with local developers and communities to expand our infrastructure in the state. From a corporate perspective, being headquartered in Delaware has so many benefits, including having the renowned Chancery Court and access to top legal and governance expertise. Government is accessible here, which is a distinct advantage in getting work done. And there’s a diverse, educated workforce that’s growing.

You grew up in Millsboro, a small town downstate with close ties to agriculture. What keeps you rooted in Delaware?

We go to church here, we’ve made friends here, our children grew up playing sports here. I buy flowers from our Amish neighbors. Where else can you explore little bay beaches that are true gems and also soak up the history at Hagley and Odessa and Old New Castle? There are great businesses, great restaurants and so many wonderful things to do. Everywhere you go in Delaware, people are friendly. That blend of positive things makes for a great quality of life.

Together, healthcare and education are the juice that powers healthy communities. How does devoting your financial expertise to Bayhealth and UD energize your life?

I want to give back in ways that utilize my skills. I think back to when I was working on my master’s at UD and how exciting it was to be surrounded by brilliant minds in business. UD is such an amazing educational institution. Bayhealth is undertaking significant expansions to ensure accessibility to quality healthcare keeps up with growth in Kent and Sussex counties. It’s a true honor to play a small role in making a positive impact on the lives of people and local communities in Delaware.

At Capital One, Senior Director Katie Migliocco leads Finance Product Operations. She is responsible for driving the operating model that enables Product, Technology, Data, and Finance teams to execute strategy through operational excellence, governance, and cross-functional collaboration. Katie’s also banking on Delaware, where she shops, runs 5Ks and half-marathons, enjoys nature with her family, and volunteers at organizations that are working to make the First State an even better place to live.

You’re passionate about helping associates thrive at Capital One. We know this approach benefits organizations. Does a Skilled, efficient workforce benefit Delaware communities, as well?

If you want to grow your skills, Delaware is a great place to work. At Capital One, our mission is to change banking for good, and I see that come to life every day – not only through the work we do for our customers but through our commitment to the communities we serve, supporting nonprofits through volunteerism, pro bono expertise and community investment that help expand economic opportunity.

In addition to your Capital One work, you’ve been applying your leadership skills to the Ronald McDonald House for more than 10 years.

It’s a privilege to volunteer to help families of children with cancer. How the organization operates, how they invest their money, how they treat their families, how they develop careers for their employees. My fellow Capital One associates will volunteer at the house too, helping clean out closets, meal prep; ready to pitch in wherever help is needed.

You know first-hand how devoted volunteers make a difference in the lives of families.

When I was 7 years old, my dad was injured and was unable to work. That Christmas, Adopt-A-Family came to our house and made sure I had a wonderful holiday. That memory will always be with me, and it makes me determined to give back. Now I get to help Adopt-A-Family.

What do you enjoy most about Delaware?

It’s where I’ve built my career, developed lifelong friendships, volunteered with organizations that are close to my heart, and enjoyed everything from Cape Henlopen and Brandywine Creek State Park to Wilmington’s growing restaurant scene. There’s a great, friendly vibe. Delaware truly feels like home.