The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce awarded its prestigious Josiah Marvel Cup to Stacey J. Mobley, Esq. The award was given at the State Chamber’s 186th Annual Dinner. Established in 1951, the Marvel Cup honors a Delawarean who has made an outstanding contribution to the state, community, or society. The State Chamber’s highest honor is named in memory of the Honorable Josiah Marvel, who reorganized and served as the first president of the State Chamber in 1913. As a tradition, the recipient of the Marvel Cup is kept secret until the night of the dinner.
Described as a trailblazer ahead of his time, Stacey Mobley was senior vice president, chief administrative officer, and general counsel of DuPont—a global innovation leader with technology-based materials and solutions that help transform industries and everyday life—until his retirement in 2008. He originally joined the DuPont Legal Department in 1972. He was named director of federal affairs in the company’s Washington, D.C. office in 1983 and promoted to vice president of federal affairs in 1986, returning to the company’s headquarters in Delaware in 1992 as vice president of communications in external affairs. Named chief executive administrative officer in May of 1999, Mobley became general counsel for DuPont in November of 1999.
Mobley has always been a champion of workplace diversity, encouraging employers—specifically in the legal sector—to “draw upon the perspectives of people who come from a variety of backgrounds and cultures.” In a 2004 interview with Corporate Counsel Business Journal, he stated: “[DuPont has] seen firsthand that when you use a diverse law firm, you get better solutions to your legal problems. This is because people from different backgrounds and cultures provide special insights that otherwise would not be available. Their life experiences alter the lenses through which they see problems.”
“He led in diversity, equity, and inclusion before we all really knew what it was,” said Thère du Pont, president of Longwood Foundation. “Stacey was the leader in helping DuPont make it a competitive advantage.”
Mobley served as an example to those around him, practicing a leadership style many cited as one they aspired to implement when it became their turn to lead. “He was a force of nature. You could feel his impact wherever you went in the company and the community,” said Ellen Kullman, former chair and chief executive officer of DuPont. “In my earlier years, I would watch in awe of how he maneuvered very difficult situations. He did it with grace and a strong center for the company.”
“Stacey is someone that would support you from the background while also willing to mentor you from the front,” said Doneene Damon, chief diversity director at Richards, Layton & Finger.
He served in leadership roles for many philanthropic, educational, and policy organizations, including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and chairman emeritus of the Board of Trustees at Howard University. Mobley earned a B.S. degree from the Howard University School of Pharmacy, a J.D. degree from the Howard University School of Law, and an honorary doctorate degree from Howard University in 2022. Among many others, he also received the Howard University Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award.
The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting an economic climate that strengthens the competitiveness of Delaware businesses and benefits citizens of the state. Founded in 1837 as the Wilmington Board of Trade, the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce has a long history as the largest, most influential business organization in the state. The State Chamber is uniquely positioned to bring parties together to solve problems, create jobs, promote business, and improve the quality of life for all Delawareans.
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