Michael S. Purzycki, Executive Director

Michael S. Purzycki has served as the Riverfront Development Corporation’s Executive Director since the organization was staffed in April of 1996. He has been personally involved in the planning, acquisition of land, and development of more than 900 million dollars of public and private investment during this time.

Mr. Purzycki brings a broad and diverse background to the job. His experiences as a developer, businessman, practicing attorney, and member of New Castle County Council have all prepared him for the challenges facing Riverfront development in Wilmington.

Mr. Purzycki is a 1967 graduate of the University of Delaware (B.A. in History) and a 1980 graduate of the Delaware Law School (now Widener). He served for two years as attorney to the Delaware State Senate (1981-82), and practiced law for ten years with a concentration in business and real estate transactions.

In 1982, Mr. Purzycki was elected for three consecutive terms to a seat on New Castle County Council, where he chaired the County government’s finance committee. He authored the State’s first ethics legislation. His experience in County government and the State legislature as Senate attorney gives him unique insight into the workings of Delaware’s governments.

He serves on the Boards of the Wilmington Housing Partnership, the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League and the Wilmington Hope Commission. He lives in the City of Wilmington with his wife, Bette and their two children.