Who We Are

We are a group of people who support a government of the people, by the people and for the people.

We support the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

We believe less government means better government.

We believe with the right leadership in government, we will empower people and create a more representative government that serves the people’s needs.

Join us in making our region a beacon of light in our state!

The Region

The Colonial Region is composed of the 5th, 8th, 9th, 15th, 17th, 18th and 27th, representative districts. It stretches from the Maryland State border to the Delaware Memorial Bridge and down the coast to the southern New Castle County border. It includes sections of New Castle, Newark, Middletown, Odessa, and Townsend.

8th and 9th ( Middletown area, Odessa, Townsend)

5th, 15th, 17th, 18th & 27th ( New Castle and Newark)

Colonial Region Republican
Executive Committee

The Colonial Region Republican Committee is one of three committees
making up the Republican Party for New Castle County and one of the five regional committees of
the Republican State Committee of the State of Delaware.

Executive Committee

CHAIR:	Clint Willoughby
VICE-CHAIR:	Paula Ireton
SECRETARY:	Joan Winnington
TREASURER:	Tina Ventresca
TECHNOLOGY	Rob Close
OPPOSITION RESEARCH	Brian Eastman
COMMUNICATIONS
FACILITY MANAGER	Brian Eastman
RD 5 CHAIR:	Michelle Baranowski Vice Chair: Michael Baranowski
RD 8 CHAIR:	Elaine Hawkins Vice Chair: Wayne Holland
RD 9 CHAIR:	Russ Riva Vice Chair: Linda Lazaroff
RD 15 CHAIR:	Ginny Watkins Vice Chair:
RD 17 CHAIR:	Phillip Simpkins Jr Vice Chair:
RD 18 CHAIR:	Fred Henon Vice Chair:
RD 27 CHAIR:	Ellie Mattucci Vice Chair: Robin Wiest

Clint Willoughby: Chair

Acting in roles of leadership with larger companies and, my venture into self-employment over the last 16 years, has provided me the opportunity to understand leadership and the nuances that comes with it from multiple perspectives. I believe, with fresh ideas and an open mindset, we can tackle many of the issues including effectively engaging residents inside the region while building a solid foundation for the Colonial Region to operate for years to come.

I was born and raised throughout Claymont while graduating from Holy Rosary School and then Brandywine High School. Attended college as a two-sport athlete (football/baseball) at Salisbury State University before changing my life plans and coming back home to the workforce. I went on to be a high school football/baseball coach and was part of the team that built the sports programs at Delaware Military Academy. I spent close to 15 years rescuing and fostering dogs. I have always been a student of history and economics which led to my interest in politics at an early age. I ventured into self-employment 16 years ago and currently operate a company that provides management services to the golf and sports turf industries.

Paula Ireton: Region Vice-Chair

Lives in Delaware to be close to her son and his family
Graduated Trinity Southern University; Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Graduated International Import-Export Institute; U.S. Import-Export Officer and Empowered
Official
Active Republican since 1980
Retired Regional Trade Compliance Manager for a National Defense Contractor

Current Interests: Activities with grandchildren, gardening, cooking, and the Republican Party

Joan Winnington: Region Secretary

Joan joined the Colonial Region Republicans several years ago. She has been active in the group volunteering at events, making calls, supporting candidates, working on campaigns, and staying connected with fellow members. She has helped grow the membership, implemented procedures for scheduling meetings and maintaining minutes, put together orientation packets for new members, works with DE Republican candidates running for offices in 2024, works with the Chair to keep our voices heard.

Professional Employment:

Metro Payment Technologies, Chief Operations Officer

Joan has been with Metro for over 20 years. She has helped to build the company nationally. She oversees all the operations of the company including sales, service, marketing, technology, etc. She help the company develop their own POS and CRM systems and took them to market. She has her Bachelors Degree in Accounting and Computer Science.

She enjoys spending time with her family and friends including her 3 furbabies.

Tina Ventresca — Treasurer

I am a native Delawarean who served in the US Airforce for 4 years active duty and 29 years in Reserves. I have always had a love for numbers.

I have been Director of Finance & Administration for a Legal Aid Service for 31 years. Prior to joining them, I worked for two large construction companies managing multimillion dollar projects. I believe I will be instrumental in providing timely financial reports to the executive committee and keep our region members informed of our overall financial position.

I have been the chair for RD15 for 4 years. I’ve helped to grow the region volunteers and helped the Colonial Region in working with candidates and helping them promote their campaigns. I have been married for 35 years and have twin sons. I enjoy gardening, canning and crocheting.