Delaware Tech names new executive vice president

Delaware Technical Community College’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously at its June 4 meeting to approve Dr. Mark T. Brainard as executive vice president effective July 1. In this college-wide role, Brainard will be responsible for working collaboratively with the president in providing strategic thinking and direction for all administrative areas and have day-to-day responsibility for management of the major operational divisions of the college.

The executive vice president position was established by the board in April as part of a presidential succession plan designed to prepare for the eventual retirement of the institution’s long-standing president, Dr. Orlando J. George Jr. Upon his retirement, the board will post the position to include an external search.

Audrey Van Luven, senior vice president and chief human resources officer at Christiana Care Health System and chair of the college’s board personnel committee stated, “Talent management and succession planning are key leadership accountabilities. While Dr. George has not announced his retirement, the board felt a deep sense of responsibility to ensure leadership continuity not only in the short term should any unanticipated events arise, but also for the longer term by ensuring that the college is developing internal talent at all levels. We have watched the institution consistently deliver on its reputation of excellence, responsiveness, and innovation. In this position, Dr. Brainard will have an opportunity to learn from and be mentored by Dr. George, under whose leadership the college has experienced unprecedented success; however, holding this position does not guarantee subsequent selection as president. Upon the announcement of Dr. George’s retirement, the position of president will be posted and will include an external search.”

Mark S. Stellini, chair of the college’s board of trustees stated, “Mark has all of the qualities we were hoping to find in an executive vice president. He has high intellectual and emotional intelligence, and cares passionately about student success and improving the lives of Delawareans through education. As a graduate of Delaware Tech, Mark brings an inherent understanding of and commitment to the mission of the college. His breadth and depth of diverse, professional experience, along with his strong relationships with college stakeholders throughout Delaware, will serve him and the college well as he transitions to this new role.”

Brainard earned an associate degree in criminal justice from Delaware Tech in 1981. He went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science in 1983 from Wilmington University and a juris doctor degree from Widener University in 1994.

Brainard’s extensive and varied executive leadership positions both at Delaware Tech and in other public and private sectors throughout the state played a significant role in his appointment. He held the position of assistant vice president for personnel and legal affairs at Delaware Tech from 1995-99 before going on to serve three years as executive vice president of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce where he managed overall operations of the organization and developed and maintained numerous partnership programs. Brainard then served six years as chief of staff to Gov. Ruth Ann Minner where he supervised and managed the multi-site operation including policy, legal, administrative and support staff; coordinated and managed legislative, policy, communication and advocacy activities for the state’s 19-agency cabinet; and acted as liaison and representative of the governor at legislative, civic, community, and other government agency meetings to advocate and implement policy agenda and program priorities. He returned to the college in 2008, where he served as assistant campus director of the Stanton-Wilmington Campus until 2010 and in his current role as vice president and campus director, where he leads the implementation of the institution’s goals, mission, and agenda at the campus as chief administrator and demonstrates a commitment to the One-College governance structure.

Brainard is active in the community, participating in numerous and varied fundraisers and charitable events throughout the year. He serves as chair of the Delaware Manufacturing Extension Partnership Board, a member of the Wilmington University Public Policy Advisory Board and a board member of the St. Patrick’s Day Society. He is a former volunteer for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, HOST mentor, and member of the state Strategic Economic Council.

“Many years ago, Delaware Tech provided me the foundation to pursue and accomplish my educational and career goals, so I am honored and very grateful for this opportunity to support our students and serve the college that has done so much for me over the years. I thank the board and Dr. George for their expressions of support and confidence and look forward to this new role,” said Brainard.

Brainard, a lifelong resident of Delaware, resides in Newark with his wife Charlotte. They have two grown children.