Gregory J. Hamann, the president of Clatsop Community College, has been named the successor to Linn-Benton Community College President Rita Cavin.

Cavin, who is LBCC’s first female president, announced April 15 that she will retire at the end of the year after a 44-year career in education. She has been LBCC president since September 2003.

At Wednesday's LBCC board meeting, Cavin announced Hamann’s appointment. The college is located at 6500 Pacific Blvd S.W. in Albany.

Commenting on the appointment, Cavin said "The board’s section tonight of Greg Hamann as your next president is outstanding ... Greg is known as a brilliant, collaborative and articulate leader who represents all of his constituents with passion and honesty.”

LBCC has held a series of public forums to gather comments and suggestions to share with the board and help them in the selection process. Cavin said that she and Hamann will work together through the transition period.

Hamann has a doctorate in educational leadership from Gonzaga University and a master’s in counseling psychology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He also served as dean of administration at Northwest College, and at Whitworth College he served as director of administrative services, director of human resources and associate dean of students.

Darlene G. Miller also was a finalist for the job. Miller recently served as president of Manchester Community College in Manchester, N.H.