Delaware’s loveliest
neighbors’ association
Delaware’s loveliest
neighbors’ association
Your neighbors’ association’s governance model
The governing executive committee of the Midtown Brandywine Neighbors’ Association is elected at the Annual General Meeting, with newly-elected directors serving for two years. Half of our executive committee positions are put to election every year.
Every Midtown Brandywine resident has one vote to cast in AGM elections.
The neighbors’ association executive committee proposes to continue existing committees, or to create new committees in the first executive committee meeting after each AGM, and chairpersons for each committee are elected by the executive committee. Most committees are then constituted with Midtown Brandywine residents who have an interest in that particular committee’s remit.
Midtown Brandywine Neighbors’ Association Executive Committee 2023
Joel Stango
Board President
Joel Stango
Board President
- OccupationCorporate Executive (retired)
As an active community member, I am interested in ways we can improve our neighborhoods and streetscapes creating a pedestrian friendly environment with improved lighting, brick sidewalk replacement and tree planting projects.
As an active community member, I am interested in ways we can improve our neighborhoods and streetscapes creating a pedestrian friendly environment with improved lighting, brick sidewalk replacement and tree planting projects.
As an active community member, I am interested in ways we can improve our neighborhoods and streetscapes creating a pedestrian friendly environment with improved lighting, brick sidewalk replacement and tree planting projects.
Jessica Reed
Board Vice President
Jessica Reed
Board Vice President
- OccupationPersonal and Group Strength Instructor
Jessica and her husband bought their Midtown house in 2000 and somehow managed to get three kids from preschool to college.
She works as a personal and group strength instructor focusing on older adults.
Favorite things include sourdough starter, birding binoculars, kettlebells and her new kayak.
Jessica and her husband bought their Midtown house in 2000 and somehow managed to get three kids from preschool to college.
She works as a personal and group strength instructor focusing on older adults.
Favorite things include sourdough starter, birding binoculars, kettlebells and her new kayak.
Jessica and her husband bought their Midtown house in 2000 and somehow managed to get three kids from preschool to college.
She works as a personal and group strength instructor focusing on older adults.
Favorite things include sourdough starter, birding binoculars, kettlebells and her new kayak.
Natasha Poppe
Board Secretary
Natasha Poppe
Board Secretary
- OccupationArtist and Graphic Designer
Natasha hails from Minnesota (Twin Cities) and Wisconsin and met her husband, Robert Poppe while performing with the Ethnic Dance Theatre.
Natasha taught art in an outer suburban area for 33 years, advotating for teachers and art education through various political structures. She maintains an art practice in 2D media and ceramics, attending numerous art fairs and sending work to several national exhibits. In 2012 she retired from teaching and started a dog walking business. Interaction with artists on Facebook inspired her to visit Delaware and consider escaping the cold MN winters, and in October of 2019, after selling her equipment and kilns, they moved to West 14th Street and absolutely love it!
Natasha hails from Minnesota (Twin Cities) and Wisconsin and met her husband, Robert Poppe while performing with the Ethnic Dance Theatre.
Natasha taught art in an outer suburban area for 33 years, advotating for teachers and art education through various political structures. She maintains an art practice in 2D media and ceramics, attending numerous art fairs and sending work to several national exhibits. In 2012 she retired from teaching and started a dog walking business. Interaction with artists on Facebook inspired her to visit Delaware and consider escaping the cold MN winters, and in October of 2019, after selling her equipment and kilns, they moved to West 14th Street and absolutely love it!
Natasha hails from Minnesota (Twin Cities) and Wisconsin and met her husband, Robert Poppe while performing with the Ethnic Dance Theatre.
Natasha taught art in an outer suburban area for 33 years, advotating for teachers and art education through various political structures. She maintains an art practice in 2D media and ceramics, attending numerous art fairs and sending work to several national exhibits. In 2012 she retired from teaching and started a dog walking business. Interaction with artists on Facebook inspired her to visit Delaware and consider escaping the cold MN winters, and in October of 2019, after selling her equipment and kilns, they moved to West 14th Street and absolutely love it!
Jeff Mazella
Board Treasurer
Jeff Mazella
Board Treasurer
- OccupationQuantitative Risk Analytics (JP Morgan Chase & Co)
Jeff conducts risk, economic, and consumer behavior analysis, having a 15 year career in the field at various large financial institutions. He has a passion for personal finance, investing, and real estate which he brings to work and to his role as Treasurer on the Midtown Brandywine Neighbors' Association board.
In his downtime Jeff enjoys the beach, biking, and travel in search of inspiring new sights, foods, and architecture.
Settled in Midtown in 2014, Jeff and his bulldog Chloe can be spotted taking leisurely walks around the Brandywine.
Jeff conducts risk, economic, and consumer behavior analysis, having a 15 year career in the field at various large financial institutions. He has a passion for personal finance, investing, and real estate which he brings to work and to his role as Treasurer on the Midtown Brandywine Neighbors' Association board.
In his downtime Jeff enjoys the beach, biking, and travel in search of inspiring new sights, foods, and architecture.
Settled in Midtown in 2014, Jeff and his bulldog Chloe can be spotted taking leisurely walks around the Brandywine.
Jeff conducts risk, economic, and consumer behavior analysis, having a 15 year career in the field at various large financial institutions. He has a passion for personal finance, investing, and real estate which he brings to work and to his role as Treasurer on the Midtown Brandywine Neighbors' Association board.
In his downtime Jeff enjoys the beach, biking, and travel in search of inspiring new sights, foods, and architecture.
Settled in Midtown in 2014, Jeff and his bulldog Chloe can be spotted taking leisurely walks around the Brandywine.
Jordan Barrett
Board Member
Jordan Barrett
Board Member
- OccupationMusician
Jordan is a musician and arts administrator who serves as the Director of Operations of OperaDelaware and performs in professional choral ensembles throughout the Mid-Atlantic, including the Chancel Choir of First & Central Presbyterian here in downtown Wilmington. He also currently serves as the board Vice President of Market Street Music, a local performing-arts nonprofit that presents high-quality, affordable concerts in Wilmington — all steps from Midtown Brandywine.
Jordan and his partner, Brian, have lived in Midtown since 2017 and enjoy the tight-knit, social community with their dog, Dudley and cat, Daphne. Outside of music, Jordan enjoys cooking, baking, knitting, and visiting local historic sights.
Jordan is a musician and arts administrator who serves as the Director of Operations of OperaDelaware and performs in professional choral ensembles throughout the Mid-Atlantic, including the Chancel Choir of First & Central Presbyterian here in downtown Wilmington. He also currently serves as the board Vice President of Market Street Music, a local performing-arts nonprofit that presents high-quality, affordable concerts in Wilmington — all steps from Midtown Brandywine.
Jordan and his partner, Brian, have lived in Midtown since 2017 and enjoy the tight-knit, social community with their dog, Dudley and cat, Daphne. Outside of music, Jordan enjoys cooking, baking, knitting, and visiting local historic sights.
Jordan is a musician and arts administrator who serves as the Director of Operations of OperaDelaware and performs in professional choral ensembles throughout the Mid-Atlantic, including the Chancel Choir of First & Central Presbyterian here in downtown Wilmington. He also currently serves as the board Vice President of Market Street Music, a local performing-arts nonprofit that presents high-quality, affordable concerts in Wilmington — all steps from Midtown Brandywine.
Jordan and his partner, Brian, have lived in Midtown since 2017 and enjoy the tight-knit, social community with their dog, Dudley and cat, Daphne. Outside of music, Jordan enjoys cooking, baking, knitting, and visiting local historic sights.
Robert I. "Bob" Blanchard
Board Member
Robert I. "Bob" Blanchard
Board Member
- OccupationRetired banking executive and university assistant dean.
Bob and his wife, Adele, have been active Midtowners since their arrival in 2006 from the Chadds Ford area of Pennsylvania.
After a 23-year career in banking ending as an executive officer with a multi-state, multi-bank holding company, Bob returned to his alma mater, Villanova University, for a different career path over an additional 20 years. Serving in several positions in university advancement and the business school, he retired as assistant dean in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences.
A passionate Wildcats and Philadelphia Eagles fan, you’ll most likely run into Bob walking his beloved Golden Retriever, Tucker, throughout the city.
Bob and his wife, Adele, have been active Midtowners since their arrival in 2006 from the Chadds Ford area of Pennsylvania.
After a 23-year career in banking ending as an executive officer with a multi-state, multi-bank holding company, Bob returned to his alma mater, Villanova University, for a different career path over an additional 20 years. Serving in several positions in university advancement and the business school, he retired as assistant dean in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences.
A passionate Wildcats and Philadelphia Eagles fan, you’ll most likely run into Bob walking his beloved Golden Retriever, Tucker, throughout the city.
Bob and his wife, Adele, have been active Midtowners since their arrival in 2006 from the Chadds Ford area of Pennsylvania.
After a 23-year career in banking ending as an executive officer with a multi-state, multi-bank holding company, Bob returned to his alma mater, Villanova University, for a different career path over an additional 20 years. Serving in several positions in university advancement and the business school, he retired as assistant dean in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences.
A passionate Wildcats and Philadelphia Eagles fan, you’ll most likely run into Bob walking his beloved Golden Retriever, Tucker, throughout the city.
Simon Cousins
Board Member
Simon Cousins
Board Member
- OccupationCEO and creative director (Allegravita PR and Digital Marketing)
Simon is a lifelong marketer and corporate communications executive, having founded several boutique PR and digital marketing agencies and serving the needs of more than 400 clients in the United States, China, Japan, Korea, Europe and Australia.
His agency, Allegravita, built and maintains this website pro-bono, in addition to dozens of others for publicly traded companies through small businesses. Simon serves the neighborhood as chair of the Public Relations committee, chair of the Freire Charter School Wilmington neighborhood liaison committee, and is the webmaster for midtownbrandywine.org.
He's married with two kids, is a D&D dungeon master and a keen amateur particle physicist.
Simon is a lifelong marketer and corporate communications executive, having founded several boutique PR and digital marketing agencies and serving the needs of more than 400 clients in the United States, China, Japan, Korea, Europe and Australia.
His agency, Allegravita, built and maintains this website pro-bono, in addition to dozens of others for publicly traded companies through small businesses. Simon serves the neighborhood as chair of the Public Relations committee, chair of the Freire Charter School Wilmington neighborhood liaison committee, and is the webmaster for midtownbrandywine.org.
He's married with two kids, is a D&D dungeon master and a keen amateur particle physicist.
Simon is a lifelong marketer and corporate communications executive, having founded several boutique PR and digital marketing agencies and serving the needs of more than 400 clients in the United States, China, Japan, Korea, Europe and Australia.
His agency, Allegravita, built and maintains this website pro-bono, in addition to dozens of others for publicly traded companies through small businesses. Simon serves the neighborhood as chair of the Public Relations committee, chair of the Freire Charter School Wilmington neighborhood liaison committee, and is the webmaster for midtownbrandywine.org.
He's married with two kids, is a D&D dungeon master and a keen amateur particle physicist.
Jason Hoover
Board Member
Jason Hoover
Board Member
- OccupationOwner, Trolley Web
Jason Hoover has always been deeply committed to fostering community ties. Through his web design and marketing firm, Trolley Web, he’s served Wilmington and the Tristate area for over a decade, specializing in helping local businesses and nonprofits amplify their impact.
This year Jason launched the Midtown Monarch Monitors program, uniting neighbors around the mutual goal of preserving and raising monarch butterflies. This initiative not only reflects his love for nature but also his goal to strengthen community bonds in the Midtown Brandywine neighborhood. Born and raised in Wilmington, Jason is an advocate for grassroots efforts that enhance the sense of community and preserve the beauty of our surroundings. In 2013 Jason founded Save The Valley which helped to save 324 acres of open space from development, eventually leading to its inclusion in Delaware's only national park.
In his free time he's an avid trail runner, native plant enthusiast and gardener, and ultimate frisbee player.
Jason Hoover has always been deeply committed to fostering community ties. Through his web design and marketing firm, Trolley Web, he’s served Wilmington and the Tristate area for over a decade, specializing in helping local businesses and nonprofits amplify their impact.
This year Jason launched the Midtown Monarch Monitors program, uniting neighbors around the mutual goal of preserving and raising monarch butterflies. This initiative not only reflects his love for nature but also his goal to strengthen community bonds in the Midtown Brandywine neighborhood. Born and raised in Wilmington, Jason is an advocate for grassroots efforts that enhance the sense of community and preserve the beauty of our surroundings. In 2013 Jason founded Save The Valley which helped to save 324 acres of open space from development, eventually leading to its inclusion in Delaware's only national park.
In his free time he's an avid trail runner, native plant enthusiast and gardener, and ultimate frisbee player.
Jason Hoover has always been deeply committed to fostering community ties. Through his web design and marketing firm, Trolley Web, he’s served Wilmington and the Tristate area for over a decade, specializing in helping local businesses and nonprofits amplify their impact.
This year Jason launched the Midtown Monarch Monitors program, uniting neighbors around the mutual goal of preserving and raising monarch butterflies. This initiative not only reflects his love for nature but also his goal to strengthen community bonds in the Midtown Brandywine neighborhood. Born and raised in Wilmington, Jason is an advocate for grassroots efforts that enhance the sense of community and preserve the beauty of our surroundings. In 2013 Jason founded Save The Valley which helped to save 324 acres of open space from development, eventually leading to its inclusion in Delaware's only national park.
In his free time he's an avid trail runner, native plant enthusiast and gardener, and ultimate frisbee player.
Nancy McGrath
Board Member
Nancy McGrath
Board Member
Single mother and grandmother, formerly worked in corporate restaurant services, then opened and operated daycare services for families. Nancy has raised four grandchildren and multiple foster children. Nancy is also a cancer survivor, having battled the disease for more than 10 years.
Nancy first moved into Midtown Brandywine in 2006, where she lived for eight years. In 2002 she moved to Florida but made the decision to relocate back to Midtown Brandywine so that her great grandson couold grow up in what she calls "a safe, caring neighborhood."
Single mother and grandmother, formerly worked in corporate restaurant services, then opened and operated daycare services for families. Nancy has raised four grandchildren and multiple foster children. Nancy is also a cancer survivor, having battled the disease for more than 10 years.
Nancy first moved into Midtown Brandywine in 2006, where she lived for eight years. In 2002 she moved to Florida but made the decision to relocate back to Midtown Brandywine so that her great grandson couold grow up in what she calls "a safe, caring neighborhood."
Single mother and grandmother, formerly worked in corporate restaurant services, then opened and operated daycare services for families. Nancy has raised four grandchildren and multiple foster children. Nancy is also a cancer survivor, having battled the disease for more than 10 years.
Nancy first moved into Midtown Brandywine in 2006, where she lived for eight years. In 2002 she moved to Florida but made the decision to relocate back to Midtown Brandywine so that her great grandson couold grow up in what she calls "a safe, caring neighborhood."
Rhea Phillips
Board Member
Rhea Phillips
Board Member
- OccupationCOO (Macromanagement Practice Guidance)
Rhea and her husband settled into Midtown Brandywine in 2015. She immediately fell in love with its beautiful sense of community. She quickly became involved with events for the neighborhood and later a board member.
When not supporting neighborhood festivities, Rhea spends her days running a dental practice management firm, Micromanagement Practice Guidance. Rhea loves to spend time with her family and friends and her dog Sophie.
Rhea and her husband settled into Midtown Brandywine in 2015. She immediately fell in love with its beautiful sense of community. She quickly became involved with events for the neighborhood and later a board member.
When not supporting neighborhood festivities, Rhea spends her days running a dental practice management firm, Micromanagement Practice Guidance. Rhea loves to spend time with her family and friends and her dog Sophie.
Rhea and her husband settled into Midtown Brandywine in 2015. She immediately fell in love with its beautiful sense of community. She quickly became involved with events for the neighborhood and later a board member.
When not supporting neighborhood festivities, Rhea spends her days running a dental practice management firm, Micromanagement Practice Guidance. Rhea loves to spend time with her family and friends and her dog Sophie.
Bobby Ries
Board Member
Bobby Ries
Board Member
- OccupationResident Physician
Bobby moved to Midtown Brandywine in May 2022 and immediately appreciated the strong sense of community. He got to know his neighbors through happy hours and discussing shared interests like cycling, animals, and nature.
Bobby keeps busy as an Emergency Medicine/Family Medicine resident physician at ChristianaCare Hospital. In his spare time, he enjoys staying active with different outdoor sports and traveling.
Bobby moved to Midtown Brandywine in May 2022 and immediately appreciated the strong sense of community. He got to know his neighbors through happy hours and discussing shared interests like cycling, animals, and nature.
Bobby keeps busy as an Emergency Medicine/Family Medicine resident physician at ChristianaCare Hospital. In his spare time, he enjoys staying active with different outdoor sports and traveling.
Bobby moved to Midtown Brandywine in May 2022 and immediately appreciated the strong sense of community. He got to know his neighbors through happy hours and discussing shared interests like cycling, animals, and nature.
Bobby keeps busy as an Emergency Medicine/Family Medicine resident physician at ChristianaCare Hospital. In his spare time, he enjoys staying active with different outdoor sports and traveling.
John Stafford
Board Member
John Stafford
Board Member
- OccupationRetired
John P. Stafford is a retired professional who has been actively involved in various non-profit boards and personal interests since his retirement in 1994. He has a passion for long-distance bicycling, tourism, and regularly attends classical performances of opera, symphony, and chamber music.
John earned an MBA in International Business and Control from Harvard Business School and a BBA in Accounting Practice from Pace University, graduating cum laude. He is also a CPA in New York.
He served as the president of the Inter-Neighborhood Foundation of Wilmington for 12 years. He on the Board on Professional Responsibility, where he played a role in resolving ethics and rules violations by members of the Delaware Bar. John has been involved with the YMCA Association of Delaware, the Illinois Chamber Symphony, the American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago, and has contributed to Harvard Business School alumni initiatives. John currently serves on the advisory board of the Salvation Army of Delaware and is a past chairman. He is also actively engaged with the Chris White Community Development Corporation as assistant treasurer, board member, and chairman of the building operations committee.
John P. Stafford is a retired professional who has been actively involved in various non-profit boards and personal interests since his retirement in 1994. He has a passion for long-distance bicycling, tourism, and regularly attends classical performances of opera, symphony, and chamber music.
John earned an MBA in International Business and Control from Harvard Business School and a BBA in Accounting Practice from Pace University, graduating cum laude. He is also a CPA in New York.
He served as the president of the Inter-Neighborhood Foundation of Wilmington for 12 years. He on the Board on Professional Responsibility, where he played a role in resolving ethics and rules violations by members of the Delaware Bar. John has been involved with the YMCA Association of Delaware, the Illinois Chamber Symphony, the American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago, and has contributed to Harvard Business School alumni initiatives. John currently serves on the advisory board of the Salvation Army of Delaware and is a past chairman. He is also actively engaged with the Chris White Community Development Corporation as assistant treasurer, board member, and chairman of the building operations committee.
John P. Stafford is a retired professional who has been actively involved in various non-profit boards and personal interests since his retirement in 1994. He has a passion for long-distance bicycling, tourism, and regularly attends classical performances of opera, symphony, and chamber music.
John earned an MBA in International Business and Control from Harvard Business School and a BBA in Accounting Practice from Pace University, graduating cum laude. He is also a CPA in New York.
He served as the president of the Inter-Neighborhood Foundation of Wilmington for 12 years. He on the Board on Professional Responsibility, where he played a role in resolving ethics and rules violations by members of the Delaware Bar. John has been involved with the YMCA Association of Delaware, the Illinois Chamber Symphony, the American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago, and has contributed to Harvard Business School alumni initiatives. John currently serves on the advisory board of the Salvation Army of Delaware and is a past chairman. He is also actively engaged with the Chris White Community Development Corporation as assistant treasurer, board member, and chairman of the building operations committee.
Michael Yingling
Board Member
Michael Yingling
Board Member
- OccupationTBA
My bio is coming soon.
My bio is coming soon.
My bio is coming soon.
Midtown Brandywine Neighbors’ Association Committees 2023
Events
Committee
Rhea Phillips (chair) | Jordan Barrett (vice chair)
Finance
Committee
Jeff Mazella (chair)
Governance
Committee
Christopher Howland (chair) | John Stafford (vice chair)
Greenscape
Committee
Hummingbirds in Midtown Brandywine
Hummingbirds are...
First-Ever Midtown Brandywine Native Plant Sale
The Midtown Brandywine...
Plant of the Month: Ask Her about Asters!
If you asked me, I...
Jessica Reed (chair)
Planning
Committee
Joel Stango (Chair)
Properties
Committee
Nancy McGrath (chair)
Public Relations
Committee
Midtown Brandywine News, December 2003
The December 2023 issue...
Mastering the Midtown Brandywine Market: A Deep Dive with Real Estate Expert Scott Deputy
Nestled in the heart of...
President’s Update, December 2023
The holiday season in...
Lauren Musumeci (chair) | Natasha Poppe (vice chair) | Simon Cousins (member)
Public Safety and Parking
Committee
Porch Pirates on the Prowl
It’s the time of year...
Maximizing Our Parking: A Pro Tip from Science!
Hey there, neighbors!...
Everything Matters. Community Policing and Engagement in Wilmington, Delaware
An interview with...
Bob Blanchard (chair) | Bobbie Ries (vice chair)