Celebrating the People that help Delaware Prosper

Dr. Peg Squier is group vice president and head of U.S. Medical Affairs at Incyte, where she drives the science behind oncology drugs, champions ingenuity, and plays her Fender precision bass in the pharmaceutical company’s band. Working and living in Delaware is her jam.

You came to Delaware 10 years ago on a mission to cure cancer. What gives the First State an edge in achieving that goal?

Delaware cares about scientific advances, being practical and helping people in the real world. The culture is very down-to-earth, wanting to make a real difference, and embracing ingenuity in finding ways to do great things. Wilmington is a fantastic small city positioned perfectly in the exciting diversity of the East Coast. Its location offers tremendous access to hiring top talent and bringing people in to collaborate, to share ideas. It’s an Acela stop, a very quick train ride from other cities in the Mid-Atlantic.

How does that business-friendly culture impact people beyond Delaware?

Delaware’s longtime support for science and the potential for global good that comes along with that is part of that level-headed approach in which organizations and individuals are open to sharing expertise. It’s not just about business. One example here at Incyte is our passion for patient communities, for people who have Graft-Versus-Host Disease, a debilitating and life-threatening condition in which donor immune cells attack the recipient’s body. We’ve launched two drugs to help GVHD patients.

You grew up in Colorado and have lived in many places. How does the lifestyle in Delaware stack up against other regions?

Delaware is my favorite place. It’s green, it’s friendly, and people are nice to you. We love the outdoors and spend as much time as we can in the wonderful parks here. We’re regulars at Huxley & Hiro’s bookstore on Market Street. We have fun going to the Blue Rocks games on the Riverfront. I’ve amassed an astonishing amount of Mr. Celery merch. Clearly, he’s my favorite mascot. We have family all over the country, but we expect to retire in Delaware.

For Solenis, a global leader in water treatment, process, and hygiene solutions, Delaware is truly home. Headquartered in Wilmington, the company has flowed from its roots in Hercules and Ashland Water Technologies into a worldwide operation with 78 manufacturing facilities and more than 23,000 employees. Rob Abrahams is vice president of financial planning and analysis.

Solenis is a global company. What keeps it rooted in Delaware?

Delaware offers the best of both worlds. We’re a global organization, but we operate in a place where relationships matter. Our leadership — including the C-suite — is based here, and that creates a strong sense of connection. There’s also a tremendous talent pool where we can find highly qualified scientists and general business professionals. For me, what stood out about Solenis was its growth and evolution — from water into food and beverage and health and hygiene — and the chance to be part of something innovative. It’s a company that promotes from within and invests in people. For example, our BeYou employee assistance program offers a wide range of personal support. Solenis also invests heavily in learning and development, with opportunities ranging from online courses and leadership cohorts to executive education at institutions like Wharton. We also offer flexible schedules and no meetings on Fridays.

How does Delaware support both work and lifestyle?

It’s incredibly livable. My wife and I restored a home in Wilmington, and we love the walkability. Some weekends, we park the car Friday and don’t use it again until Monday. You’ve got parks like Rockford and Brandywine, access to the beach, and great restaurants, all on a manageable scale. Plus, you’re two hours from New York and Washington, D.C. The people you work with are the same people you see at your kids’ games or at the bus stop. I coach in Little League, and my wife is active in the PTO, swim leagues and our neighborhood association.

Delaware is small. Does that translate into access?

Absolutely. In a small state, you have ready access to elected officials. My son’s Little League game? The governor threw out the first pitch — twice, actually, between Matt Meyer and John Carney. Friends touring the U.S. Capitol were invited to come up to Joe Biden’s office and meet him when he was in the Senate. That kind of accessibility is rare and special.