Chris Breitmeyer, the president of Clatsop Community College who is set to step away this summer, has been selected as a finalist for president at a college in Modesto, California.

Breitmeyer was named as one of four candidates to lead Modesto Junior College, according to a statement by the Yosemite Community College District in late May. The top choice is expected to be announced midway through June. The district designates July 1 as the desired start date.

Earlier in May, the college board approved a separation agreement with Breitmeyer, which indicated that he would depart the college by the end of July. Breitmeyer, who has served as president since 2016, and the college board pointed to the separation as his decision to move on.

Breitmeyer confirmed he is a finalist for the post in Modesto but declined to comment further.

In February, Breitmeyer was named as a finalist for president at Ohlone College in Fremont, California, but did not land the job.

Modesto Junior College has two campuses in the city. During the 2020-2021 school year, the college served upward of 22,000 students.

“The (college) board wishes President Breitmeyer all the best with this exciting job opportunity in Modesto,” Trudy Van Dusen Čitović, the board chairwoman, said in a text. “He has been a charismatic, approachable and well-liked leader of Clatsop Community College for the past seven years. This opportunity would allow President Breitmeyer to utilize his skill sets in a larger college setting, which is something that he has a strong desire to do.”

Julie Kovatch, a spokeswoman for the college, deferred comments to Van Dusen Čitović.

The separation agreement between Breitmeyer and the college board includes a nondisparagement clause.

The settlement also states that if Breitmeyer gains employment before leaving the college that would start in September, he would receive six months of severance pay. If he does not, he will get 11 months of severance pay. The president agreed to not negotiate a starting date for a new job that begins after Sept. 1 for the purpose of getting a bigger payout.

The announcement of a potential new job comes amid an unsettled time at the college. After the college board meeting where the separation agreement was reached, three board members resigned, with two citing dysfunction on the board and a misunderstanding of board responsibilities.

In a listening session with Van Dusen Čitović and Breitmeyer in May, college faculty and staff described a fearful campus environment and criticized the college board for overstepping its role and a lack of transparency. The board has since sought to improve communication with the campus.

The college board plans to appoint an interim president in the coming weeks, with the intent to select one prior to Breitmeyer’s departure in order to create a smooth transition of leadership before a long-term replacement is pursued.

Van Dusen Čitović said after an executive session Tuesday that the college board has received one application, and will publicize the position more broadly before considering an appointment.

“These are challenging but exciting times for Clatsop Community College,” Van Dusen Čitović said. “We all look forward to providing support and guidance along the way.”