About
Who
We Are
Newark PAL is dedicated to building relationships between police and the Newark DE Community.
The Police Athletic and Activities League of Newark Delaware is a nonprofit organization that works with other community partners to improve police relationships, provide positive role modeling and mentoring, and to provide programs and events that reduce juvenile crime and victimization. The PAL is partners with our Newark Delaware Police Department, Newark Parks and Recreation, and several community groups, with the common goal of improving the lives of the children who live in our Newark Delaware community.
Board of Directors
Lt. Gregory D’Elia
President
Lt. Gregory D’Elia is originally from the Philadelphia area and graduated from Penn State University. He later attended Wilmington University where he earned his Master’s Degree in Administration of Justice: Police Leadership.
He is the current President of the Newark PAL and has been a member of the Newark Police Department for over 20 years, where he has served as a Detective, in the Special Operations Unit, in the Street Crimes Unit, and as a Patrol officer. He also serves the department as a Task Force Officer for the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force.
D’Elia is a Police Master Instructor, teaching multiple courses statewide. He is a graduate of the WestPoint Command and Leadership Academy, and now instructs the course. Lt. D’Elia is currently the Patrol Division Commander and is dedicated to youth outreach, and community policing.
Lt. D’Elia is an active member of the community and seeks out opportunities to give back. He has many hobbies including a passion for Philadelphia sports teams. During his off time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and children.
Sgt. Joseph “Jay” Conover
Vice President
Sergeant Joseph “Jay” Conover has been with the Newark Police Department since July of 1999. Sgt. Conover graduated Cum Laude from Delaware Valley University with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration and minors in Business and Psychology.
Since Sgt. Conover has been with the Newark Police Department, he has been assigned to the Patrol Division, the Criminal Investigations Unit as a Detective, the Special Operations Unit, the Special Investigations Unit, where he was assigned to the FBI Violent Crimes Safe Streets Task Force, and he is currently the supervisor assigned to the Administrative Unit as the Criminal Intelligence and Information Analysis officer.
During his career at the Newark Police Department, Sgt. Conover has become a certified Field Training Officer, a certified background investigator, a Police Mountain Bike operator, a certified NHTSA DUI/SFST Instructor, a Certified Law Enforcement Instructor, and is an Active Bystandership in Law Enforcement instructor. Sgt. Conover is a graduate of the New Jersey State Association Chiefs of Police West Point, Command and Leadership Program and the Walt Disney Institute for Leadership Excellence. Sgt. Conover has helped to develop a Field Training Officer course for the agency and is the lead instructor.
Sgt. Conover was previously assigned to the SWAT team and is currently the Team Leader for the Crisis Negotiations Team (CNT). Sgt. Conover assists throughout the State of Delaware in helping to instruct new students in crisis negotiations and crisis intervention. Sgt. Conover is instrumental in the agency’s Presents with Police program, along with multiple other community efforts, and is a close friend of Sergeant Santa.
In his off time, Sgt. Conover enjoys spending time with his family, attending his daughter’s soccer and lacrosse games, drawing/sketching, and is a 5 for 5 Philadelphia sports fan. Sgt. Conover’s family can often be seen helping with the community events he is involved with.
Sgt. James Skinner
Treasurer
James Skinner is a graduate of Goldey-Beacom College with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Sgt. Skinner also earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Delaware. Sgt. Skinner joined the Newark Police Department in February 2006 and attended the Delaware State Police Academy. During his career, Sgt. Skinner has served in multiple roles in both the patrol and criminal investigation division. In addition to those duties, Sgt. Skinner has advanced training in the field of digital forensics and is a department mobile device examiner. Sgt. Skinner has been awarded many awards, including citations of merit, DUI enforcement award, multiple unit citations, letter of commendation, Knights of Columbus officer of the quarter, and the Rotary Club officer of the year (2021). He also received a citation for bravery when he and several other officers responded to a house fire and safely withdrew a trapped resident. Sgt. Skinner is also a member of the Newark PD CISM team, a background investigator, and a Field Training Officer.
Paula Ennis
Secretary
Paula Ennis, CPRP, is the Deputy Director for the Parks and Recreation Department in the City of Newark. She joined the city in 1999 as the Recreation Supervisor of Athletics and has since expanded her role to include school age care coordination and fitness program supervision. In her current role, Paula oversees the management and maintenance of over 650 acres of parkland, 52 parks and open space areas, 17 miles of trails, and more than 386 acres of forested lands. Additionally, her team plans and conducts over 200 recreation programs and events annually, including youth and adult sports leagues, health and fitness programs, arts, camps, and community events. Paula previously worked as the Assistant Director of the fitness and wellness center at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey. She holds a BA in Recreation Management from Iowa State University.
Joseph Spadafino
Board Member
Joe Spadafino joined the City of Newark Parks and Recreation Department in 1996 as a Recreation Supervisor. He is now the Director of Parks and Recreation, a position he has held since January of 2016. The Parks and Recreation Department conducts over 300 activities and events each year and manages over 650 acres of park land, open space and 17 miles of trails throughout 36 parks. Prior to working for Newark, Joe served eight years as a Recreation Supervisor for Kent County Parks and Recreation Department. He is a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University where he graduated with a degree in Recreation and Park Administration. Joe enjoys cooking, watching sports and spending time with his family and two dogs.
Rev. Dr. Lonnie E. Rector
Board Member
Reverend Dr. Lonnie E. Rector was reared in Duncan, SC
(Spartanburg County). As a graduate of James F. Byrnes High School, he is listed on the “Wall of Fame” in three sports, Basketball, Baseball, and Football. For many years he held the “receiving record” in football at Wofford College. He furthered his education after high school by earning his Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts from Spartanburg Methodist College, and Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology from Wofford College. His theological training includes: A Master of Divinity Degree from Erskine Theological Seminary, Dew West, South Carolina and a Doctor of Ministry and Doctor of Theology Degrees from Andersonville Theological Seminary, Camilla, GA.
On October 27, 2004, Rev. Dr. Rector became the pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church, during his early pastoral leadership,10 new ministries originated. Past and current service includes:
- Moderator of the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Association, Inc.
- Served for eight years as President of the United Baptist Convention of DE, Inc.
- Dean of the Congress of Christian Education for the New England Missionary Baptist Convention, Inc.
- Member of the Executive Board, National Baptist Convention USA, Inc.
- Past instructor for 10 years in the National Baptist Congress for Christian Education USA, Inc.
Community involvement includes:
- Under his capital improvement plan for Pilgrim Baptist Church, a new dining area and meeting rooms were added.
- Since 2009, he has served as host pastor for the Heartland Hospice Memorial Services and has been a Service Award recipient
- He was honored, by the Mayor of the City of Newark during his fifth Pastoral Anniversary with a proclamation on November 1, 2009 as “Reverend Dr. Lonnie E. Rector Day” for exhibiting a deep commitment to the community by supporting programs such as the Food Bank, Ronald McDonald House, and Homeward Bound, during the 250 year anniversary of the City of Newark
- He lead the United Baptist Convention of DE in raising over $4500, which was matched by the United Way for Haiti Relief
- He coordinated, in conjunction with First Baptist Church of Glenarden, MD- fifteen stations of service by working collaboratively to provide a major “Day of Service” with the (Newark) College Park Community that included, home improvements, landscaping, fence painting, health screenings, feeding the hungry, Baby Sitting Certification (sponsored by the Red Cross) for Teens, Evangelism and an Agape clothes closet
- In the Spring of 2011, he spearheaded the United Baptist Convention of DE, Inc. first Community-wide job fair
- He led the United Baptist Convention of DE, Inc in raising, with the support of the Deacon’s Auxiliary and Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Association, over $35,000 for the Reverend Tommie L. Brown Memorial Book Scholarship endowed at Delaware State University, the state’s only HBCU
- December 2 – 3, 2011 he served as a delegate of state Presidents by invitation of President Barak Obama to meet with his administrative cabinet members to discuss how pastors could collaborate to initiate purposeful change within our communities
- He initiated discussion with the Police Athletic League Association in Wilmington, DE to collaborate efforts to support safe environments and activities for youth
- He served as the first speaker and was instrumental in bringing pastors together to raise funds for students at Delaware State University at the first President’s Ecumenical Prayer Breakfast, and on September 16, 2016 at the 6th Annual President’s Prayer Breakfast, he became the first recipient of the President’s Ecumenical Award
- Under his leadership Pilgrim’s Sunday School and Sewing Ministries partnered with the Fashion Department at the University of Delaware to host a community-wide Summer Sewing Program for pre-teens and teens
- In 2019 he became a boardmember of PAL of the City of Newark
Pastor Rector loves God, people, family, and enriching the lives of youth. He is an advid bowler and can always be counted on to put a little sunshine into the life of others with his laughter and smile. He knows that just like the story of the two fish and five loaves, by working together, a little can turn into a lot, and can make a “BIG” difference.
Cyndie Romer
Board Member
Cyndie is the State Representative for the 25th District, serving the Newark area. As an advocate for her community, she is actively involved in Moms Demand Action and the Newark Branch of the NAACP, serving on the Education and Criminal Justice Committees.
A proud alumna of the University of Delaware, Cyndie boasts an impressive 25-year career in the Tech industry, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to her public service position.
Having called Newark home for over 20 years, she is deeply committed to fostering an environment that makes Newark an exceptional place to live, work, and play.
When she is not spending time in the district, she loves being with her family and friends at the beach. She has a husband Steve, two children, Leah and Megan, and an adorable dog named Bodhi.
Dr. Freeman Williams
Board Member
Dr. Williams earned his Bachelor of Science Education degree, his Master of Education degree, and his Doctor of Educational Leadership degree from the University of Delaware. He was a University of Delaware basketball player during the 1971-1972 and the 1972-1973 seasons.
Dr. Williams is a former superintendent of the Christina school district. He also served as a teacher, principal, director, assistant superintendent, and interim superintendent for the Christina School District. Dr. Williams is also a former principal, acting superintendent and assistant superintendent for the Appoquinimink school district. Dr. Williams worked for the Upward Bound program and the Jobs for Delaware Graduates program.
Dr. Williams serves as the president of the Board for Neighborhood House which provides counseling, early childhood education, and meal services. He is the president of the Newark Chapter of the NAACP and the vice president of the State of Delaware NAACP. Dr. Williams is a member of the University of Delaware Board of Trustees and a board member of the Newark Partnership. He also serves on the University of Delaware Dean of Education Advisory Committee and the State of Delaware Pandemic Resurgence Advisory Committee. Dr. Williams has recently been appointed by the Governor to the State of Delaware Racial Equity Consortium. He also serves on the Patient Advocacy Team for Pfizer Pharmaceutical Company.
Dr. Williams resides in the city of Newark with his wife, Susan. He is the father of three children and grandfather of three grandchildren. With a strong desire to give back to his community, Dr. Williams seeks out and supports volunteer programs that enhance the quality of life in the Newark community and throughout the state of Delaware.
His favorite part of Newark is the historic African American community that borders New London Road and Cleveland Avenue, affectionately called School Hill. This is the area where he grew up. Dr. Williams serves on the board of the Friends of School Hill.
Robert Ashby
Board Member
Robert E Ashby lived in Caldwell, NJ. After graduating from James Caldwell High School he attended the University of Delaware and graduated in 1977. He has lived in and around Newark ever since. After graduating Delaware, he went into the restaurant industry. He opened his first restaurant McGlynns Pub in 1983, with two others to follow – People’s Plaza and Dover. He designed and renovated two historical properties- Cantwell’s Tavern in Odessa and the iconic Deer Park Tavern in downtown Newark.
Bob has served on the Delaware Restaurant Association Board since 1985 and served 13 years on the board of the National Restaurant Association. He has also served on the UD Hospitality Business School Board, the Greater Hockessin Area Association Historic Review Board, and the New Castle County Planning Board.
Bob and his wife Sandy have raised 3 children, and have 3 grandchildren.
Edward Mayfield
Board Member
Edward Mayfield has been actively involved in teaching since 1976 and law enforcement since 1982. He retired in 2003 as a Sergeant with the Delaware State Police and holds the certifications of Basic, Advanced, and Master Instructor, which certifies police officers in the state of Delaware to teach. During his career with DSP, he served in patrol, FTO, FTO supervisor, drug interdiction, financial crimes unit, burglary unit, robbery unit, major crimes unit, homicide unit, Task Force in regards to the state of Delaware first serial homicides, assistant to the superintendent, senior drill instructor, human resources unit, background investigator, internal affairs, Bomb Squad, Special Operations Response Team, Shotgun Instructor Certification, New Castle County leg coordinator for the Delaware Special Olympics Torch Run, and troop 1 patrol supervisor. He has taken, passed and received 76 certificates from FEMA and received a Certificate of Achievement in regards to standards of excellence in Emergency Management. He regularly lectures and trains at Institutions in and out of state. He retired in 2020 from the Christina School District as Assistant to the Superintendent / Director of Operations. He also served with the Christina School District as Grant Supervisor, Principal and Assistant of Glasgow High School, Dean, Small School Learning Community Coordinator, K-12 Run-Hide-Fight Trainer, and Active Shooter Exercise Development Trainer.
Mr. Mayfield has been awarded a B.S. degree in Health and Physical Education from Fisk University, teaching credentials and administrative certifications from the Department of Education in Delaware, a Masters of Science degree in Human Service Administration – emphasis in Leadership from Springfield College, and graduated the School of Police Staff and Command from Northwestern University. He is a consultant, public speaker, lecturer, adjunct professor, and criminal justice professional who focus on ethics, leadership, and interviewing – counseling strategies. He has developed courses on the collegiate level and training systems and programs used by both the private and public sector organizations.
Mr. Mayfield also serves as a Board Trustee with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Delaware, is a board member with the Greater Newark Boys and Girls Club and works with community organizations. He has served as a resource for school safety and participated on school and state panels as well as the senate consortium on school safety. He currently is the Centennial Keeper of Records and Seal for Omega Psi Phi Inc. – Eta Psi Alumni Association and a 50 year member of the organization.
Mr. Mayfield has been the recipient of Springfield College’s highest honor – Provost Award-for academic excellence, Who’s Who of Professional Management, International Who’s Who of Professionals, Who’s Who in Law Enforcement, Top Blacks in Law Enforcement, Charter Member of the International Homicide Association, Delaware Special Olympics Torch Runner of the Year and Positive Role Model for young men.
Mr. Mayfield lives in Newark, Delaware with his wife, Reyna. He has one daughter, Destiny.
Bruce Herron
Board Member
A Newark PAL Board member since 2020 and a retired longtime Delaware attorney, Bruce served as Newark’s Deputy Solicitor beginning in 1995 and held that role until he was appointed Solicitor in 2011. As the Deputy Solicitor, Bruce served as the prosecutor in the Newark Alderman’s Court where he was responsible for the disposition of thousands of criminal cases. As Solicitor he managed all the City’s legal matters and provided legal advice to City Council and staff.
Bruce graduated with High Distinction from the University of Virginia in 1981 with a B.A. in History. He attended Penn State Dickinson School of Law in Carlisle, PA, where he served on the Law Review and received his J.D. degree in 1984. Following law school, he was admitted to the Delaware Bar in 1985 and practiced law in Delaware for 33 years. During his career, he provided legal services for multiple cities and towns throughout the state and served as legal counsel for the Seaford School District from 1987 until 2013.
A father of three and grandfather of one, Bruce enjoys spending time with his extended family, reading, walking, and following sports.
Community Partners
