Following an hour-long executive session on Monday night, Oxford Borough Council unanimously hired Brian Hoover as the new borough manager.

Hoover has been the borough manager of Glenolden, Pa. for the last 13 years. Council member Gary Tozzo, who served on the search committee, said that Hoover's experience leading the day-to-day operations of the slightly larger borough in Delaware County made him a good candidate for Oxford.

“He has a lot of experience,” Tozzo said. “He has a lot of grant-writing experience. He was able to get $6 million in grants for [Glenolden].”

Hoover also has experience as a business owner and a former borough council member. He is also in the middle of an eight-year-term as president of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, a position that he was appointed to by former Gov. Tom Corbett.

Hoover's salary was set at $90,000. He is scheduled to start work for the borough on July 25.

The position became available about months ago when longtime borough manager Betsy Brantner announced her retirement that was effective in mid-June.

Tozzo said that Hoover was one of five candidates who were called in for a round of interviews during the search that was facilitated by the borough's solicitor and the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs. Hoover emerged as the leading candidate.

“He's a positive, energetic individual,” Tozzo said. “He brings a lot of experience that will be a good fit for the borough.”

“We're excited,” added borough council president Ron Hershey.

Borough council member Randy Grace thanked treasurer Artie Anderson for serving as the interim borough manager while the search was being conducted, and all the council members applauded Anderson for her efforts.

The meeting began with Mayor Geoff Henry offering a proclamation declaring Friday, Aug. 5 as Jerome Rodio Day in Oxford. This is in memory of the business owner and president of the board of the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce who passed away on July 14. Henry noted that Rodio was a great volunteer and an advocate for the business community. Aug. 5 is a First Friday event, and Rodio was a strong supporter of the First Fridays.

Council president Ron Hershey said that Rodio set a good example with his volunteer activities.

“He was a good friend to the borough,” said Hershey. “He will be missed.”