Biggs Museum of American Art announces three new board members

DOVER — The Biggs Museum of American Art recently announced the appointment of Dr. Wilma Mishoe as the new president of the board of trustees.

Dr. Mishoe transitions into this role after serving as vice president, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to the museum. Alongside Dr. Mishoe, three new trustees, Andre Swygert, Daniel Thompson and Janell Upton, have joined the board.

“I am honored to be appointed as the president of the board of trustees for the Biggs Museum of American Art,” said Dr. Mishoe.

“We are entering an exciting new renaissance phase with a comprehensive growth plan, including the recently approved building master plan. This plan will significantly expand and enhance our facilities, creating a community pavilion courtyard, upgraded public spaces and flexible exhibition halls. With over $10 million secured to support this extraordinary vision, I am eager to build on this success and to lead a historic, comprehensive campaign to complete this expansion plan and amplify the Biggs’ impact in Delaware and beyond.”

With a robust background in educational administration, Dr. Mishoe’s leadership roles have included serving as the first female chairperson of the Delaware State University’s board of trustees, the first African American female to chair the Capital School District Board of Education, and the first African American female to chair the state’s Public Integrity Commission. Her career spans over three decades, with significant contributions at Delaware Technical Community College and Wilmington College.

Her accolades include induction into the Delaware State Hall of Fame of Delaware Women and the Delaware State University Hall of Fame.

Andre Swygert

Mr. Swygert is a retired business development professional with a distinguished career in the aerospace and defense sectors. As director of proposal development for BAE Systems, he excelled in managing collaborative efforts to capture new business opportunities.

He also co-owned an art gallery in Miami, specializing in antique prints and custom framing. Now an author on aviation subjects, he contributes to Air & Space Smithsonian magazine and other outlets. He is also involved with the John H. Porter Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., working to preserve the history of black Army Air Force units during World War II.

Daniel Thompson

Mr. Thompson is a senior vice president and private client adviser with Bank of America in Wilmington. With over 25 years of experience, Mr. Thompson specializes in wealth management for ultra-high net worth individuals and families.

His extensive career includes leadership roles at Barclays and Morgan Stanley. He also serves on the board of trustees for The Kalmar Nyckel Foundation and has been actively involved with Breakthrough Collaborative and the Barnes Foundation. Mr. Thompson resides in Greenville with his wife and two daughters.

Janell Upton

Ms. Upton brings over 30 years of diverse financial industry experience to the Board, with a focus on human resources, operational excellence, and superior service delivery.

As president/CEO of Dover Federal Credit Union, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership in rebranding efforts, modernizing lending practices, and fostering a culture of compliance.

Her previous roles include executive vice president at Educational Federal Credit Union and senior vice president at Alaska USA Federal Credit Union. She serves on the board of the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce and resides in Dover.