Hoy bows out; DelTech board now talking to Brainard

After naming outsider Dr. Murray Hoy its new president earlier this month, the Delaware Technical Community College board abruptly changed course, and is now negotiating with the school's number two, Mark Brainard, to take the job.

Since announcing July 8 that the school's search committee had selected Hoy, board President Mark Stellini said the school and Hoy had "many long discussions" about terms of a contract, but were unable to come to an agreement. He declined to say what the sticking points in those negotiations were, saying that information was confidential.

"We're disappointed, but a lot of things were talked about and, in the end, Dr. Hoy just decided not to accept our offer," said Stellini. "We're very fortunate that we had two outstanding candidates, and we are moving forward."

In a message to Wor-Wic Community College students and faculty, Hoy confirmed that he had turned down DelTech's offer. The message said Hoy never turned in his resignation at Wor-Wic, and said he will remain as Wor-Wic's leader.

"I regret the disruption that this has caused both institutions," Hoy wrote. "I have nothing but respect for Delaware Tech, its board and employees, many of whom I had the pleasure of meeting during the search process."

Stellini said the school now turns to Brainard, a DelTech employee who was also chief of staff for former Gov. Ruth Ann Minner for six years.

At the urging of longtime president Orlando George, who retired in the spring after 19 years at the school's helm, DelTech created a new executive vice president position with the idea it would give someone experience to lead the school by working alongside George. No other candidates besides Brainard were considered for the position.

"If the board believes that the college is on the right track, that it is well-positioned and well-respected, and that the goal is to continue the direction in which it is currently headed, then I would argue in favor of a successor who is well-known in the Delaware community, who knows and understands the Delaware Tech culture, and who can make a smooth transition in leadership," George said in a memo to trustees last year.

Stellini said that experience gives him confidence Brainard will be an effective leader, if the school can agree to contract terms.

"We installed him as vice president so that he could have experience as a leader. And he has a long history with this school," Stellini said. "He was an extremely viable finalist candidate, so we obviously have faith in him."

As Minner's chief of staff, Brainard faced some controversy when he helped set up a favorable lease of state land on Del. 1 to the governor's friend, liquor executive Christopher Tigani. He said the deal was an economic development effort.

Contact Matthew Albright at malbright@delawareonline.com or at 324-2428. Follow him on Twitter @TNJ_malbright