Elea McDonnell Feit
Elea McDonnell Feit
Kennett Borough Council
Contact Information:
efeit@kennettsq.org
Biography/Qualifications:
I’ve lived in Kennett Square for 14 years and was appointed to Borough Council in January 2024 to fill an open seat. I grew up in East Marlborough Township, attended Unionville High School, and have lived in the area most of my life. My husband and I have valued raising our daughter in a community where she can meet people from many different backgrounds and walks of life. That diversity—and the sense of connection across the borough—is one of Kennett Square’s greatest strengths.
In my professional life, I’m a professor and Associate Dean for Research at Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business, where I enjoy helping young people develop a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to solving real-world problems—and I bring that same analytical mindset and attention to detail to my work on Council.
Why are you running for Borough Council?
I’m running for Borough Council because I believe it’s important for everyday residents to be involved in local decision-making. I don’t have any business interest in town (except my house on Union Street)—just a strong commitment to seeing Kennett Square thrive as a place to live.
I first got involved because I was curious about how the borough-owned building at 600 South Broad Street would be used, and I had concerns about the rising costs of public safety. Over the past year, I’ve come to understand that both of these issues are complicated—but I still believe we can find good solutions through partnerships with local organizations and governments, and transparent communication with the community. I believe we need to plan carefully and keep the focus on delivering reliable services without overburdening taxpayers.
Tell us up to three things you want to change or see happen in the borough:
- Maintain critical infrastructure and fiscal responsibility. As unglamorous as it is, we need to ensure clean water, safe roads and sidewalks, and an environmentally sound sewer system. At the same time, we must manage the borough’s finances carefully, delivering essential services without placing an undue burden on taxpayers.
- Strengthen partnerships on public safety. I want to build stronger relationships with neighboring municipalities and our local fire companies to ensure coordinated, reliable services across Fire, EMS, and Police.
- Continue developing the Borough Hall Complex at 600 South Broad Street as a center of community and government. This space has the potential to bring people together—through public services, cultural events like Cinco de Mayo, and community gatherings like the farmers market and BrewFest. I want to make it a welcoming, active hub for all Borough residents, especially those that live near the complex.
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Elea McDonnell Feit
Associate Professor of Marketing
Associate Dean of Research
LeBow College of Business
Drexel University
eleafeit@gmail.com
248.444.4892