Governor Appoints Newest Trustee to Brookdale’s Board

Lincroft, NJ – Gary S. Tolchin, 53, of Marlboro, the newest member of Brookdale Community College’s Board of Trustees, was sworn in on April 25, at the monthly Board of Trustees’ meeting. Tolchin was appointed on April 3 by Governor Chris Christie to a four-year term, and replaces Richard M. Maser, Red Bank, who was appointed to the board by Acting Governor Donald T. DiFranceso in 2002. Maser’s term ended in October 2012, and he remained in the post until a replacement was named.

Tolchin is an entrepreneur and has worked in the business and financial industries for more than 34 years.   He is principal of MTS Investors of Freehold, and he and his wife own The Mill, a restaurant in  Spring Lake Heights. Other professional experience includes: managing director of the Goldman Sachs Group’s floor trading division, and managing director of Spear Leeds and Kellogg, LP.

Tolchin has previously served on several non-profit Boards. He was a member of the board of directors for The Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, from 2007-2009, and for Prevention First from 2006-2009. Brookdale, however, is his first higher education post. “After 34 years of working in a high-stress environment, I want to volunteer and give back.  Brookdale has so much to offer, and I bring a solid business perspective that can help take the college to another level,” he said.

Tolchin is looking forward to learning more about Brookdale’s educational offerings. “I know that Brookdale is a starting point for students looking to ultimately obtain a bachelor’s degree, and a great training opportunity for students looking to enter the workforce after a year or two of career studies; but I am interested in the details so that I can offer my expertise to enhance Brookdale’s success.” For example, he just recently learned that Brookdale has an automotive program, and noted “automotive technology is an area that is largely untapped and has great potential. The facilities and the program are quite impressive, and I have a few ideas on ways to increase enrollment in the program.”

Tolchin has been married for 26 years and has three adult children. His interests include philanthropy, basketball, cars, and horse racing.  

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