Robyn Winnett cast the lone vote for Dennis Slechta, the other candidate.

The board interviewed the two finalists separately, asking each the same questions. The finalists were also given the opportunity to address the board.

John Marshall was the third finalist but dropped out of the running because his consulting business and personal travels would conflict with trustee commitments, he told the Star-Telegram.

Heede stressed his community involvement and history of improving education through the Rotary Club.

“I don’t have any axes to grind. I don’t have any political agenda,” he said. “I’m here to do nothing but serve the college. It’s all about the kids. It’s about providing the kids with good, basic education.”

The board asked Heede if his current business and Rotary involvement would limit the time he had to give to a trustee’s responsibilities.

“I’ll devote whatever time it takes to do the job,” Heede said. “What that will require me to do is back off of some of my other commitments.”

Trustee Louise Appleman welcomed Heede’s appointment.

“He brings a lot of experience and expertise to the discussion and decision of several issues facing us,” she said, “early college and high school dual enrolment, Achieving the Dream progress and real estate that we will be evaluating to determine appropriate use.”

The board also voted to move trustee election dates to May of odd-numbered years.

Current board members’ terms, including Heede’s appointed term, were extended one year to make up the difference.

The cost of continuing elections on the even-number years without equipment from Tarrant County was the main reason given for the switch. Not moving election dates would have increased election costs from $50,000 to $150,000.