In its next president, Highline College is seeking an open, inspirational leader who embodies and promotes the college’s values of diversity, access and community.

Those qualities are included in the presidential profile, outlining the attributes and qualifications of the ideal candidate, released Thursday by Highline’s Board of Trustees.

The five-member board is seeking a successor to Dr. Jack Bermingham, who retired in August 2017 after more than a decade as president.

With the release of the profile, the position is officially open and candidates can begin applying. Application details, along with the full profile, are available on the Presidential Search page.

The position closes March 2. The goal is to have the new president in place no later than July 1. If all goes according to schedule, the board will announce its decision in May.

The profile will also be used by presidential search subcommittee members to guide their review of candidates’ applications.

The group will assist the board in the search process by screening applicants and recommending three to five finalists.

The 18-member group is nearly evenly divided between on- and off-campus representatives.

Eight members are South King County community members, who were announced during the board’s Nov. 7 meeting.

Eight others are from various campus groups:

• Debra Baker, foundation board member

• Gary McCune, employee representing unionized staff

• Lorriane Odom, employee representing professional/administrative staff

• Jason Ramirez, Equity Task Force member

• Dr. T.M. Sell, faculty member

• Gayatri Sirohi, faculty member

• Mahlet Tiruneh, student

• Dr. Jeff Wagnitz, ex-officio campus advisory liaison

Two Highline trustees, who serve as subcommittee co-chairs, fill the remaining spots.

The board’s goal in the makeup of the group is to represent a diverse array of perspectives, expertise and interests.

Dr. Jeff Wagnitz is serving as interim president. After a new president is selected, he will return full time to his previous role as a vice president.

Highline’s board is responsible for selecting and employing the college president. It is composed of community members from Highline’s service area of South King County: Dan Altmayer and Bob Roegner, both of Federal Way; Debrena Jackson Gandy, Des Moines; Fred Mendoza, Normandy Park; and Sili Savusa, White Center.