El Camino’s search for a new president is narrowed down to five finalist, four women and one man.

The five presidential finalists are Kathleen Burke, president of Los Angeles Pierce College, JoAnna Downey-Schilling, vice president of academic affairs at Cerritos College, Dena Maloney, president of West Kern Community College District, Sandra Mayo, president of Moreno Valley College and Ron Taylor, president of Merced College, according to a campus wide email sent out Friday morning.

Each of the five finalists list college administrative experience, and have community college backgrounds.

The next president will be taking over for retiring president Tom Fallo. Fallo has been the college president for 20 years, and is set to retire next year in February.

The finalist will be on campus Oct. 5 and Oct. 6 for public forums in the Campus Theater.

The finalist:

Kathleen Burke

Experience: President of Los Angeles Pierce College since 2010. She has also been vice president of academic affairs at L.A. Trade Tech College, L.A. City College, and L.A. Mission College. Dean of academic affairs at East Los Angeles College, and Board of Trustees member at Glendale Community College.

Public Forum: Oct. 5, 12:20 – 1:30 p.m.

JoAnna Downey-Schilling

Experience: Vice president of academic affairs at Cerritos College. Dean of arts and cultural programs, continuing and contract education, and interim vice president of academic affairs at Rio Hondo College.

Public Forum: Oct. 5, 10 – 11 a.m.

Dena Maloney

Experience: Dean of College of the Canyons, Canyon County Campus. Assistant vice president of the Canyon Country Campus. President of West Kern Community College District.

Public Forum: Oct. 5, 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Sandra Mayo

Experience: President of Moreno Valley College. Vice president of academic affairs at Los Angeles Valley College. Dean of mathematics and sciences at Santiago Canyon College.

Public Forum: Oct. 6, 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Ron Taylor

Experience: President of Merced College. President of Feather River College. Vice president of academic services at Chabot College. Dean of instruction at Reedly College. Assistant dean of instruction for letters and social sciences at Santa Rosa Junior College.

Public Forum: Oct. 6, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.