Hershey charity hires former Rendell aide

Facing negotiations with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General after a yearlong investigation, the $7.5 billion Hershey charity for disadvantaged children has hired as its general counsel Philadelphia lawyer John H. Estey, a former chairman of the Delaware River Port Authority and chief of staff for Ed Rendell when he was Pennsylvania's governor.

Estey's appointment comes as the charitable section of the Office of Attorney General has concluded the fact-finding part of its investigation and is said to be seeking changes at one of the nation's wealthiest charities. Any changes would have to be approved by the board of the Hershey Trust Co., the state-chartered institution that manages Hershey's billions of dollars in assets.

As general counsel for the trust company, Estey would lead the negotiations. The trust company also could reject suggestions.

Estey gives Democratic credentials to the Hershey Trust Co.'s board, which has as its chairman the powerful Republican LeRoy S. Zimmerman. Rendell said last week that Estey was an "extraordinarily competent individual."

Estey replaced Mary Louise Porter, who was fired by the trust company board, according to a source with knowledge of the decision who is not authorized to discuss it.

Porter is a former corporate lawyer with the Hershey chocolate company. She would not comment on her departure.

Hershey Trust Co. spokeswoman Connie McNamara said Porter resigned Sept. 21 and was not fired. The company said Estey was appointed Sept. 22. Estey is a partner with the Philadelphia law firm Ballard Spahr L.L.P. McNamara said in an e-mail that Estey holds the positions of acting general counsel, acting corporate secretary, and acting chief compliance office at the Hershey Trust Co.

The Hershey Trust Co. did not respond to questions regarding her departure, noting that Estey was appointed Sept. 22. Estey is a partner with the Philadelphia law firm Ballard Spahr L.L.P.

Hershey Trust Co. spokeswoman Connie McNamara said in an e-mail that Estey holds the positions of acting general counsel, acting corporate secretary, and acting chief compliance office at the Hershey Trust Co.

"Estey's appointment is temporary, and the board intends to move forward quickly to fill the positions on a permanent basis. Estey is not a candidate for the positions on a permanent basis," McNamara wrote.