The Lower Columbia College Board of Trustees voted unanimously to end President Matt Seimears' contract for convenience during a special meeting Monday evening.
The board did not provide a reasoning for the decision, which was made following a 70-minute executive session and takes effect immediately.
Seimears has been on administrative leave since Jan. 6 for undisclosed reasons. He took over as president in January 2024 after former President Chris Bailey retired.
Termination for convenience is a standard clause in government contracts giving the government the right to terminate a contract at any time without providing cause, according to thelawdictionary.org.
Vice President of Instruction Kristen Finnel currently serves as interim president.
The interim president's salary is $260,000 per year, according to an email obtained in a records request, which also said Finnel's contract will run no later than April 5.
Board Chair Marc Silva wrote in a Monday evening statement that he wishes Seimears well in his future endeavors. The statement did not explain the college's timeline to hire a new president.
"I remain steadfast in my commitment to serving our students and the LCC community," Silva wrote.
The decision comes after longtime donor Joe Fischer told the college's foundation he would no longer provide financial support following the board's vote to place Seimears on leave. He also threatened to pull a planned $2 million donation from his will if Seimears was terminated.
Others also said at a board meeting last week that they feared additional donors may follow Fischer.
Seimears has not responded to requests for comment.
