Deb Brennan is new CCC executive vice president

Dr. Deb Brennan of Grand Island has been promoted to executive vice president of Central Community College.

Brennan has been employed with the college since 1985, when she joined the staff as an instructor in the hotel, motel and restaurant management program on the Hastings campus.

She served in the position for 12 years before being promoted to associate dean of business and health. In 2005, she became dean of health occupations for the college.

Prior to joining the CCC staff, she owned an antique store and did a variety of jobs in the restaurant industry before becoming general manager of the Piccadilly Dinner Theater in Grand Island.

Brennan is a graduate of Scottsbluff High School who went on to earn a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Nebraska-Kearney, a master's degree in teaching from Hastings College and a doctorate in higher education leadership from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

She also earned certification as a culinary educator and executive chef from the American Culinary Federation and received the Nebraska Chef Educator of the Year Award in 1990.

Brennan serves on the boards of The Spirt of Nebraska Girl Scout Council and the Central Nebraska Area Health Education Center.

She is a longtime member of the League of Women Voters, a past member of the Hastings Chamber of Commerce and a past advisory board member of the Nebraska Restaurant Association.

Brennan is the daughter of Clarice Heeg of Grand Island and the late Edward Heeg. She and her husband, Bill, have two children: Shannon of Denver and Sean of Omaha.

"It's exciting and humbling to accept the position of executive vice presidents at a college where I have served the past 23 years," said Brennan, who will assume her new duties Aug. 1.

"Dr. Brennan will be an excellent fit for this position," said College President Dr. Greg Smith. "She has an in-depth knowledge of Central Community College, a strong background working with community leaders and organizations, and appreciates the important role of the community college to the economic vitality of Central Nebraska.”