Georgetown, Del., July 29, 2025: Sussex County is turning to a one-time beermaker to brew up new business for southern Delaware.

County Administrator Todd F. Lawson on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, announced Andrew D. Harton has been promoted as director of the County’s Economic Development office, taking the reins from longtime director William ‘Bill’ Pfaff, who retires July 31. Mr. Harton joined the County in February as economic development manager, working directly with Mr. Pfaff since then.

Mr. Harton, who in the early years of his career worked in the craft beer industry in the beach area, comes to the County from the Delaware Division of Small Business, where he served as the Business Finance Director. There, he helped administer many State-level economic development initiatives, including the Encouraging Development, Growth & Expansion (EDGE) program and the Delaware Site Readiness program. Mr. Lawson said that Mr. Harton’s understanding of Delaware’s economic development ecosystem, as well as his experience in the small business world, will be an asset in helping to promote Sussex County and attract new commerce to the region.

“We are excited to have Andrew on the team and take this new role,” Mr. Lawson said. “He has his finger on the pulse in the business community, and we are confident he will build on the momentum Bill has established over the years to keep our local economy vibrant and growing.”

Mr. Harton holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Delaware. In his professional experience, he has worked closely with the Delaware Prosperity Partnership, the Delaware Small Business Development Center, and other economic and business development stakeholders to promote business growth and economic vitality in Delaware.

In his new role, Mr. Harton wants to help direct more State and federal economic development funding into the hands of businesses, cities, and towns in Sussex County.

“There are numerous programs out there to help businesses big and small grow and thrive. A big part of my job is going to be to help get the word out, as well as to provide technical assistance and guidance.” Mr. Harton said. “Sussex County is already a great place to do business. More people need to be made aware of what we have to offer here, which is a pro-business climate, a well-trained workforce, and an all-around beautiful place to call home.”

Mr. Harton will lead the County’s economic development efforts and continue to serve as a resource to employers and those interested in doing business here. The office, which works closely with business leaders, chambers of commerce, civic organizations, and others to promote opportunity and stimulate economic growth in Sussex, is responsible for overseeing the County’s business incentive and loan programs, including the ExciteSussex program that Mr. Pfaff envisioned and developed, as well as meeting with prospective employers to help understand and navigate regulatory processes. The office also manages the Sussex County Kitchen Incubator, which provides commercial-grade space for aspiring ‘foodpreneurs’.

Mr. Harton, a native Delawarean, lives in Lewes with his wife, Maria, and son, Theo, and likes to point out that while he relocated to the area, his family has roots in Seaford. His paternal grandfather worked for the DuPont Co. at the Seaford nylon plant, and Mr. Harton believes Western Sussex, in particular, is on the cusp of an economic resurgence.

County Council President Douglas B. Hudson said he looks forward to working with Mr. Harton, and thanked Mr. Pfaff for his dedicated service and efforts to grow the county’s economy.

“Bill has made Sussex County an indispensable part of the economic development conversation, and we can’t thank him enough. We now look to Andew, with his vast contacts and hands-on experience, to carry us forward,” Mr. Hudson said. “With the experience and enthusiasm of people like them, it’s easy to see that Sussex County truly is business’ best friend.”

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