October 2026
By Carole Jesiolowski
The very first political event Greg Kordal ever attended was a Dwight D. Eisenhower rally, a fitting introduction to a lifelong alignment with the principles of fiscal responsibility and limited governance. Decades later, as a key voice in Delaware’s Democrat Representative District 14, Greg has drawn directly from a 40-year corporate career to advocate for the community he now calls home.
From Long Island Roots to Corporate Boardrooms
Greg grew up on Long Island, born to parents who met at a USO dance during World War II. His mother worked as an electrical inspector, and his father served as a lieutenant warden at the Nassau County Jail. Aside from discussions about Russia and China, politics were rarely discussed at home, though a practical understanding of local government was always present. Greg recalls that his father registered as a Republican primarily to secure and maintain his civil service position.
Following in his older brother’s footsteps, Greg attended Manhattan College in the Bronx. He played baseball and basketball, and turned his focus to practical ambitions, studying business and majoring in economics.
That analytical foundation paved the way for a 40-year journey through the changing landscape of corporate food production. Fresh out of college, Greg landed his first job as an office manager for Wonder Bread Bakery, later climbing the ladder working for Nabisco. He managed the manufacturing financial activities of food brands that included Planters peanuts and Lifesavers candy.
When Kraft Foods bought Nabisco, resulting in massive corporate restructuring and 60,000 layoffs, Greg accepted a position with Pinnacle Foods, a company trying to revive household staples like Birds Eye, Duncan Hines, Hungry-Man and Vlasic. It was a high-stakes environment where he played a hands-on role creating a new organization.
The strategic goals of the large corporation were always clear: less government regulations to maximize profitability. Corporate dollars frequently flowed toward politicians who supported these objectives. Embedded in a corporate machine, Greg found himself aligned with the business environment that supported his family, and he maintained his status as a registered Republican.
A New Mission
Retirement brought a profound shift in perspective. In 2010, Greg and his wife Terri built their retirement home in Lewes, an area they fell in love with while visiting to watch their younger daughter play basketball at Salisbury University. Shifting from the corporate treadmill to local community life changed the way he viewed governance.
Settling in the Retreat at Love Creek, Greg quickly realized that retirement did not mean slowing down. Instead, local issues called for his organizational skills and financial acumen, and he became treasurer of the HOA.
His first test as a local advocate came when developers proposed the Love Creek RV Resort and Campground. Dubbed “RV City,” the massive project aimed to rezone 162 acres of land to construct a campground with 628 lots for RVs, tents, rental cabins, and multiple amenities. Recognizing the severe impact the development would have on local infrastructure, traffic, and the surrounding environment, Greg and his neighbors stepped up to protect their neighborhood.
Over a two-year period, Greg and Terri orchestrated the gathering of signed petitions, wrote letters to the editor, sent e-mails to Sussex County Council members, and attended protests. His background in corporate strategy and finances proved invaluable as residents pushed back against the developer. The Council ultimately voted down the proposal, dealing a huge victory to local homeowners.
Becoming an Activist
Winning the RV City battle solidified Greg’s belief in the power of local engagement. He recognized that real change requires electing the right representation and holding local leaders accountable.
Around the same time, Greg and his wife attended the wedding of a same-sex couple. “I looked around and thought ‘this is the most wonderful thing.’ It was really emotional.” He admits that a same-sex wedding was a first for him and he was struck by the realization while scanning the room that the very friends and neighbors he cared about were still being denied their basic rights. Something clicked in him.
With more time on his hands, Greg began examining the issues he couldn’t deeply explore while working—namely healthcare, equal rights, housing, and social safety nets. The 2016 presidential election was a turning point. “The economic policies of giving big business so much money while hurting real people was something I could not justify or tolerate. I had to do something.”
He changed his registration and became a Democrat.
Every Action Counts
Invited to attend an RD 14 meeting, Greg paid attention to the work being done to help get the right people elected. Because of his background in finance, he was asked to take on the role of treasurer, a position he held until January 2026. He points out that he had no real political skills or experience, but was comfortable with finances. “That’s the lesson for anyone who wants to participate. Use your skills, find your comfort zone, and you can make a contribution. After a while you will gain the confidence to do other things you never thought you could do.”
Asked what gives him the most hope for our community’s future and Greg points to the leaders he has met. “I see how hard they work, how smart they are, and how dedicated they are. Claire, Russ, Jane and Jill…they can’t do it alone. We need to help them along.” He helps them along by knocking on doors and canvassing for the candidates he believes in. He attends RD 14 meetings and Sussex County Council meetings as a part of the team called “Eyes on County Council” documenting biweekly council meetings so more people will be informed. And most important: he holds elected officials accountable.
He is quick to credit his wife’s passion for doing the right thing as the catalyst for his own activism. Reflecting on the years following the loss of his older brother to leukemia, he admits, “It was a long road to find purpose.” Meeting Terri and starting a family gave him that focus and renewed drive.
As busy as retirement is, Greg and Terri enjoy off-season beach time and spending time with their family. And there’s golf…a bipartisan meetup on the green where everything is up for discussion. “I love when my golfing buddies come at me with political misinformation,” he laughs. “I pull up a document that presents the facts and explain what government is or is not doing.”
Before the 2024 election, one of those buddies approached Greg for a conversation about a local candidate. The golfer was a passionate Republican genuinely looking for advice and had thoughtful questions. “A reasonable and transparent conversation changed his vote,” says Greg. One conversation changed one mind.
This retired financial executive is still calculating what counts: one vote, one march, one door knocked on, one afternoon spent canvassing. Whether writing a letter to the editor or attending a County Council or RD meeting, he knows it all adds up. Together, these single efforts compound, proving that grassroots investment always yields the greatest community returns.
Carole Jesiolowski is the editor of The Voice. Prior to her move to Lewes, she was president of Social Business LLC and senior vice president and managing editor at Data Key Communications Inc., both in Syracuse, NY.