The Biggs Museum of American Art is pleased to announce the appointment of three distinguished community leaders to its Board of Trustees: Justice Gary F. Traynor, Dr. Jalaal A. Hayes, and Richard Fanelli, AIA Emeritus, RCFM, IFMA Fellow.
Bringing expertise spanning law, education, architecture, design, and community leadership, the three new trustees join the Board at an exciting moment in the Museum’s history as The Biggs advances plans for expanded facilities, new community partnerships, and innovative programming designed to strengthen access to American art throughout Delaware and the region.
“We are honored to welcome these accomplished leaders to the Board of Trustees,” said Dr. Wilma Mishoe, President of the Board of Trustees for the Biggs Museum of American Art. “Each brings a unique perspective and a deep commitment to education, culture, and community engagement that will help guide the Museum as we continue to grow our impact and prepare for an exciting future.”
Justice Gary F. Traynor has served as a Justice of the Delaware Supreme Court since 2017 following a distinguished legal career spanning more than four decades. Prior to joining Delaware’s highest court, Justice Traynor practiced law for 35 years in both private practice and public service, including service as an Assistant Public Defender with the Office of Defense Services. Throughout his career he has held numerous leadership positions within the legal profession and public service, including appointments to the Delaware Supreme Court’s Board on Professional Responsibility, the United States Third Circuit Court of Appeals Task Force on Management of Death Penalty Litigation, and the Delaware River and Bay Authority. His extensive governance experience and commitment to public service will provide valuable perspective to the Museum’s Board.
Dr. Jalaal A. Hayes is an award-winning STEM educator, entrepreneur, nonprofit founder, and CEO of Elyte Universal Network. A Philadelphia native now residing in Dover, Dr. Hayes has dedicated his career to expanding access to education, innovation, and opportunity through interdisciplinary approaches that bridge science, creativity, and community engagement. One of the nation’s youngest Ph.D. recipients in chemistry, Dr. Hayes sees strong connections between scientific discovery and artistic expression and believes museums play a critical role in inspiring curiosity, creativity, and cultural understanding across generations.
Richard Fanelli, AIA Emeritus, RCFM, IFMA Fellow, is a retired architect, educator, artist, and former owner of FMStudios, Inc., a commercial interior planning and design firm he founded in 1985. Throughout his career he led projects for organizations including The Washington Post, Raytheon, ManTech, and Boeing while also serving as an adjunct professor at George Mason University and a longtime leader within the International Facility Management Association. A graduate of the Philadelphia College of Art and the son of two artists, Fanelli has recently returned to his own artistic practice as an oil painter following decades in architecture and design. His experience in facilities planning, project management, and construction oversight will provide important guidance as The Biggs advances its transformational campus expansion plans.
The addition of Traynor, Hayes, and Fanelli reflects the Museum’s continued commitment to building a Board that represents a broad range of expertise and perspectives in support of its mission to transform communities through the art of the region: rooted in discovery, guided by collaboration, and open to all.
Together with the Museum’s existing trustees, the new board members will help shape the future of The Biggs as it continues to expand educational opportunities, strengthen community partnerships, and advance plans for a more accessible and dynamic cultural campus in downtown Dover.