DOVER – Delaware Senate President Pro Tempore-Elect David Sokola on Monday announced he will nominate Ryan Dunphy for confirmation as the next Secretary of the Senate.
Dunphy has served as legislative assistant for the Delaware Senate Majority Caucus since 2018. At 24 years old, he will become one of the youngest state Senate secretaries in the nation.
“Ryan is a phenomenal person and has proven himself to be an exceptional staff member,” Sokola said. “With the 151st General Assembly set to begin in just a few weeks, his familiarity with Senators from both caucuses and his first-hand experience with the legislative process will be immensely valuable in the months ahead.”
A graduate of Salesianum School and Villanova University, Dunphy first came to the Delaware Senate in 2016 as an attaché who assisted the Secretary of the Senate. He currently serves as the legislative assistant to Sen. Jack Walsh, D-Stanton.
“Ryan is one of the most capable and professional young men I have ever met,” Walsh said. “While I’m sorry to lose him as my legislative assistant, I’m excited the other 20 Senators will get a chance to benefit from the talents I know he will bring to bear in his new job.”
“I am deeply honored Sen. Sokola and the Senate Majority Caucus have selected me for this position,” Dunphy said. “The Secretary of the Senate plays a crucial role in the day-to-day functions of the Delaware Senate and I look forward to assisting members of both caucuses as they work to improve the lives of all Delawareans.”
The Secretary of the Senate is the chief administrative office of the chamber. The secretary consults with the President Pro Tempore on the overall operations of the Senate, oversees official Senate transactions, maintains the flow of legislation, and posts agendas, as well as records committee reports, roll calls and the legislative journal, among other responsibilities.
Once confirmed, Dunphy will succeed Joy C. Bower, who retired earlier this year after 32 years of distinguished service with the Senate. Bower previously served as Assistant Secretary of the Senate under Bernard Brady, who retired in 2018 after 39 years with the Senate, including 29 as Secretary.
Both Bower and Brady will continue to serve the Senate in an advisory role through Dunphy’s confirmation on January 12, 2021.
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