DOVER - On July 24, 2025, Governor Matt Meyer announced a strategic leadership transition within his Administration. Vanessa Phillips, who has served with distinction as Chief of Staff since January 2025, has assumed a new role as Senior Advisor to the Governor. At the same time, Misty Seemans, currently Deputy Legal Counsel, has been elevated to Chief of Staff.

“Vanessa Phillips has been an indispensable partner in advancing our agenda,” said Governor Meyer. “Her steady leadership and commitment to public service have been critical to every milestone we’ve achieved both now in the Office of the Governor and as New Castle County’s Chief Administrative Officer—from historic investments in education to protecting the state’s corporate franchise, building the Hope Center and leading the effort to turn a dilapidated historic school building into the Hockessin Colored School #107C county park. As Senior Advisor, Vanessa will continue to lend her strategic vision and counsel on our most complex challenges.”

Under Phillips’ stewardship, the Governor’s Office restarted interagency coordination to combat homelessness, opened the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, and led the Administration’s crisis response efforts in the wake of unprecedented federal actions.

Governor Meyer also praised Seemans’ exemplary service as Deputy Legal Counsel.

“Misty has been a tireless advocate for good government, ensuring that every policy we propose stands up to the highest legal and ethical standards,” said Governor Meyer. “Her stellar judgment, attention to detail, and collaborative spirit make her the perfect choice to serve as Chief of Staff.”

Since joining the Administration, Seemans has performed legal analysis on multiple key issues and pieces of legislation, handled commutations and immigration policies for the office, and worked on a range of legal issues from criminal justice reform to social justice efforts.

Before working in the Office of the Governor, Seemans served as statewide Family Court Supervisor at the Delaware Office of Defense Services (Public Defender’s Office), where she handled multiple jury and bench trials, ranging from misdemeanors to capital murder. As a public defender, she received numerous recognitions including being named by The News Journal as one of the most in?uential lawyers in Delaware in 2023 and was selected as a Delaware Today magazine Top Lawyer in 2023 and 2024. A native Delawarean, she also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Delaware Law School.

The Governor’s Office extends its sincere thanks to Vanessa Phillips for her outstanding service as Chief of Staff and congratulates both Vanessa and Misty on their new roles.