Get to know Bill

A native Delawarean and life-long resident of New Castle County, Bill Shahan, Jr. grew up in the Wilmington area. Bill has been married to his wife, Kim for 23 years. Their children and grandchildren all live in New Castle County.

Bill attended St. Helena’s Elementary, Salesianum, and graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1980.

He followed in the footsteps of his father and uncle, police officers with the Wilmington Police Department. Bill started his public service career right out of high school as a police cadet. When the cadet program was cut later that year, Bill moved over to the emergency communications (9-1-1) center as a specialist.

In 1987 Bill transitioned to New Castle County Government. His position was with the then County owned Airport as a patrol officer. His protection responsibilities at the airport regularly included working closely with other county departments, local fire companies, state police, Delaware National Guard, federal agencies; among which was the F.A.A. & F.B.I. Bill held several federal certifications during his tenure.  Here Bill learned a great deal about the way that multiple government agencies can work together in critical services and with the utmost priority on public safety.

Bill transitioned again in 1990 to the Public Works Department (now known as the Department of Land Use.) Here he was able to formalize his knowledge and experience in construction in becoming a Building Code Inspector.  As a Code Inspector, Bill was responsible for residential, commercial and industrial field inspections to confirm that all phases of the construction process were in compliance with county building and development codes. After 10 years in the field inspecting, Bill was integrated into a customer service role in the newly formed Department of Land Use because of his technical and practical knowledge; he serves by assisting other staff members, citizens and contractors with understanding some of the most complex land use issues. His experience in the Department of Land Use has provided an unparalleled perspective on how proper land use and development can maintain the quality of life and safety of our community.

Aside from work and home, one of Bill’s greatest joys is working with children. When he was 16 he began coaching as an assistant baseball coach. Since 1978 Bill has coached hundreds of young men and woman and has taken pride in instilling in them the importance of being a part of a team. Bill believes, beyond school, sports can be an opportunity for learning about community and leadership. Bill has held a motto he has taught that is taken from a quote by one of his heroes, Jackie Robinson; “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”

It is in holding true to this belief that when a community need has arisen, Bill has gotten involved. Aside from coaching, he has raised emergency funds for those in need and organized annual fundraising events. Over the years he has been involved in many organizations in leadership roles: St. Elizabeth’s Parish and Athletic Association (Head Football Coach CYO), St. Mary Magdalen Athletic Association (Head Football Coach CYM and Athletic Director), St. Helena’s Athletic Association (Head Football Coach, Athletic Director, Athletic Association President), Glen Mills School Youth Football Camp, Wilmington Senior Hockey League, United Way of Delaware, AFSCME Local 1607 and the New Castle County Democratic Party (6th District).

Bill is passionate about the New Castle County community. His values of commitment, guidance, ethics and teamwork, instilled in him by his family and which have served him throughout his personal life and professional care are the core values that will be the foundation for his effort to bring new leadership and real reform to New Castle County Government.