Bellevue College has narrowed its search for a new presidents down to three finalists, including one former governor.

The three finalists to be considered for the college’s interim president position are Dr. Yoshiko Harden, former governor Gary Locke, and Dr. Raúl Rodríguez.

Yoshiko Harden serves as the vice president for student services at Seattle Central College and in the past worked in diversity, equity, and inclusion for Bellevue College.

Gary Locke formerly served as governor of Washington State (the first Chinese American to be elected governor in United States history and the first Asian American governor on the mainland), U.S. Secretary of Commerce, and most recently as U.S. Ambassador to China.

Raúl Rodríguez is currently the interim president at East Los Angeles College and previously held a number of positions in both single college and multi-college community college districts in California.

“We’re pleased and excited to present three extremely qualified candidates for the position of interim president of Bellevue College,” said Rich Fukutaki, board chair. “Leading Bellevue College during these unprecedented times and uniting the campus are huge challenges and unique opportunities. With input from the college community, we are confident the right person will emerge to move the college forward.”

Following the defacement of an art installation, former president Jerry Weber and former vice president Gayle Colston Barge resigned in March.