Grays Harbor College President Dr. Jim Minkler announced his retirement at a board of trustees meeting Wednesday morning.

Board member Dr. Harry Carthum said after a closed door executive session that Minkler announced “he has decided to retire effective the end of the day June 30.”

Carthum added, “It should be said that Dr. Minkler has the full confidence of the board and this decision was necessitated by his personal situation.”

A motion to accept Minkler’s retirement was seconded “with regret” by board of trustees chairman Arthur A. Blauvelt. The board, unanimously accepted without further comment.

Carthum said Minkler, who did not speak at the Wednesday morning Zoom meeting, would be addressing college faculty and staff later in the day.

Carthum said the board’s intent is to seek out an interim president. If the board is unable to successfully negotiate with a candidate, the board will then appoint an acting president until an interim can be brought on board.

Minkler was selected as president by the board in April 2016, one of four finalists for the position previously held by Ed Brewster. Before accepting the position, Minkler had been Vice President of Learning and Chief Academic Officer at Spokane Falls Community College.