Senate committee hears Rich Garrett, governor’s nominee to Delaware Board of Parole

Rich (Richard) Garrett, nominated to serve on the Delaware Board of Parole, addressed the Senate Executive Committee on Jan. 21 and described a professional background in nonprofit leadership and community service that he said would inform board deliberations.

Garrett, who identified himself as executive director of Children’s Beach House and as a long‑time Delaware resident, said he would rely on the board’s statutory framework, Department of Correction expertise, risk assessments and case facts when making parole determinations. “My role would not be to substitute personal opinion, but to apply sound judgment, ask the right questions, and make consistent decisions with the law and the board’s mandate,” he told senators.

Committee members pressed Garrett on victims’ voices and the cadence of reviews when parole is denied. Senator Mansavinos and Senator Pinkney asked how he would ensure victims are heard and how he would consider support systems, access to employment and other social determinants in assessing risk and opportunity. Garrett said simplifying bureaucratic processes for victims and taking account of community support systems would be important considerations, but he acknowledged he had not yet served on the board and would learn procedural details if confirmed.

Senators expressed appreciation for Garrett’s community work; the committee did not record a final confirmation vote during the hearing.