Renton Technical College announced Tuesday that President Steve Hanson will be retiring after five years with the college this December 2014.

Hanson has been with the school since September 2009.

“It has been an honor to serve as Renton Technical College’s president for the past five years,” Hanson said in a release. “Our college has an outstanding reputation for its commitment to student success, as exemplified by our selection by the Aspen Institute as one of the top community colleges in the nation. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work with an extraordinary group of trustees, faculty and staff that is dedicated to the mission of transforming the lives of our students.”

The RTC Board of Directors expressed gratitude for Hanson’s service to the college community.

“He has shepherded the college through critical times and brought an innovative approach to meeting future educational needs of our community,” said Board Chair, Cathy McAbee. “We acknowledge and appreciate President Hanson’s commitment to see the college through the transition process of finding a new college president.”

Before, he served as president of Spokane Community College and executive vice president of Edmonds Community College. Hanson has over 40 years of experience in Washington State’s community and technical college system, serving as a teacher, dean, vice president and president. His retirement plans include gardening, travel and spending more time with family and friends.

Search plans will be announced in the coming months.