The Olympic College board of trustees recently appointed Joan Hanten as interim president, and she will begin her tenure June 16.

Hanten has nearly two decades of leadership experience at OC, including special projects administrator for the office of the president, interim vice president of human resources, vice president of college relations and executive director of Institutional Advancement & OC Foundation, per a news release.

She currently serves as managing trustee of Bremer Trust, a charitable organization established by the Bremer family with OC as its sole beneficiary. Hanten has also held many community leadership roles, such as Bremerton Housing Authoritty commissioner (since 2016), Admiral Theatre Foundation boardmember, Bremerton Rotary member and executive director of Leadership Kitsap.

“I am honored to step into this role,” said Hanten. “This is a pivotal moment for Olympic College as we begin the search for a new president and continue building momentum around our healthcare expansion and other strategic initiatives.”

Hanten holds a Juris Doctor from Seattle University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Portland.

“Joan is exceptionally qualified to lead the college during this period of transition,” said board chair Harriette Bryant. “She brings deep institutional knowledge and strong community connections built through years of service and volunteerism.”

In February, president Marty Cavalluzzi announced his retirement after seven years of leadership at OC. He will continue to serve as president emeritus through Sept. 1, to assist Hanten with transition and administrative matters and continue to work on the Health Sciences expansion project at OC’s Poulsbo campus.

“On behalf of the board of trustees, we would like to thank Dr. Cavalluzzi for his dedication to Olympic College. He has set the bar high for student success. His efforts and support of Olympic College will have a lasting impact on our community,” Bryant said.