LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM 2013-2015

ACTIVITY REFLECTIVE SUMMARY

ACTIVITY: I
ACTIVITY TOPIC:

Attend College Budget hearings

PARTICIPANTS NAME: Chris Hainsworth

1. What were the significant learning points in this activity?

Budget Director (11/14/13)

Dr Georges presentation focused on the Delaware Tech story that we serve
Delaware by offering relevant programs, leveraging partnerships with schools and
businesses, maximizing resources and supporting the community. After the
presentation there were questions from the Office of Management and Budget staff
that were fielded by Dr. George and other members of the Presidents council based
on their area of expertise. After the presentation, we had a meeting with Dr. George
and he used the presentation as an example of the importance of staying on
message and making sure that the Delaware Tech story is shared.
We also had the opportunity to meet with Ann Visalli, director of OMB. She
answered several questions and explained the challenges of balancing the door
opener needs of the state agencies, dollars that need to be spent in order to open
the doors, with the additional requests for new programs in the face of uncertain and
limited revenue streams.
Joint Finance Committee (2/18/15)
The presentation to the Joint Finance Committee was the same presentation that
was delivered to OMB. The focus was again on the Delaware Tech team and its
accomplishments, delivering the same message that was delivered to OMB. He
asked for the committee to consider identifying stable funding for nursing and allied
health positions that are funded through tobacco settlement. He thanked the
committee for the continued support of SEED scholarship. This was Dr. Georges
last presentation to the panel. The level of mutual respect between the committee
and Dr. George was evident in the room.

Joint Bond Bill Committee (3/24/15)

The presentation to the Joint Bond Bill Committee was made by Dr. Brainard. The
focus of the presentation was on the Delaware Tech story and that Delaware Tech is
responsive to the needs of the community creating new programs and degrees. The
focus then shifted to the cost of maintaining the building infrastructure at the college
to be able to deliver these programs. Sen. Bonini noted that Delaware Techs only
source of funding for capital projects is through the Bond Bill Committee which is
unlike any of the other institutions of higher learning which have private revenue
streams.

2. Which leadership characteristics was were enhanced or learned through this

activity?
(Leadership Characteristics 1 & 8)
Observing these hearings really helped me to see the big picture to understand the
fiscal needs of the college and how priorities are set. I was able to see that the
College has a positive relationship with the legislature and that is maintained through
transparency, demonstrated fiscal reasonability and continuing to deliver value for
the citizens of Delaware which makes the College a good investment for state
dollars.