NEW CASTLE, Del. – On February 19, 2025, M. Earl Ransome of Pedricktown, New Jersey, and Samuel E. Lathem of Bear, Delaware were sworn-in to the leadership posts of Chairman and Vice Chairman respectively at the bi-state agency’s monthly meeting.  Ransome and Lathem were unanimously selected to serve in these leadership roles by their fellow Commissioners at the conclusion of last month’s meeting held on January 22, 2025. The leadership posts rotate between the States of Delaware and New Jersey every two years.  

Commissioner Samuel Lathem (pictured left), who served the previous two years as Chairman of the Board, congratulates Earl Ransome on his election as Commission Chairman and presents him with the meeting gavel.  Beginning his first term as Commission Chairman, Mr. Ransome retired as the senior manufacturing manager at Mexichem Specialty Resins, Inc.  Mr. Lathem, a U.S. Army veteran and retired member of the of the United Auto Workers (UAW), will be starting his second term as Vice Chairman during his Commission tenure.

About the Delaware River and Bay Authority
The DRBA, a bi-state governmental agency created by Compact in 1962, owns and operates the Delaware Memorial Bridge, the Cape May- Lewes Ferry, and the Forts Ferry Crossing.  The DRBA also manages corporate and aviation properties through its economic development powers - two airports in New Jersey (Millville Executive Airport and Cape May Airport) and three in Delaware (Wilmington Airport, Civil Air Terminal and Delaware Airpark). All DRBA operating revenues are generated through its bridge, ferry and airport facilities.  For more information, please visit www.drba.net.

Ransome Oath_DRBA Chairman:  (Pictured right to left):  New Jersey State Senator John Burzichelli; New Jersey Assemblyman David Bailey, Jr.; Andrew Ransome; Makiah Ransome; Avery Ransome; Avonda Ransome; and Chairman Earl Ransome.  New Jersey State Senator John Burzichelli (far right) administers the Chairman’s Oath of Office to Earl Ransome, Jr. as his wife, Avonda Ransome, holds the Bible.  Chairman Ransome is joined by his sons, Andrew and Avery; daughter, Makiah, and New Jersey Assemblyman David Bailey, Jr.

Lathem_Cook:  DRBA Executive Director Thomas J. Cook administers the Vice Chairman’s Oath of Office to Samuel E. Lathem prior to the February 2025 monthly board meeting.