Another high-ranking Simpson administrator has plans to retire, as the college announced Monday that Athletic Director John Sirianni is leaving his position.

In an email sent to faculty this morning, President John Byrd announced that Sirianni will leave the athletic director position immediately, but will finish up his long term with the college in the fall of 2014, serving as a special assistant to the president until he leaves.

Sirianni will focus on fundraising efforts for the new fitness center, help build the new health care administration program and complete other small capital projects for the athletic department.

Head Women’s Basketball Coach Brian Niemuth will take over immediately as interim athletic director.

“John and Brian have both been major contributors to the success of our athletics program and are excited by these new opportunities,” said Byrd in a faculty-wide email.

Incoming president Jay Simmons will fill the athletic director role once he starts his presidency.