The former head of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Foundation has stepped up pressure on the board that fired him from his $150,000-per-year part-time position.

Michael Hershock, 64, who was ousted March 2, said in a letter from his attorney that he "remains willing to discuss and negotiate a severance package" as allowed by his contract. The letter from his attorney, Walter Cohen of Harrisburg, threatened a lawsuit if a response isn't received by March 27.

"I am hopeful that you will encourage your client to negotiate a settlement with us that will save both the foundation and Mr. Hershock a significant amount of time and expense," Cohen wrote in the letter dated Wednesday and addressed to foundation attorney James White.

Foundation officials have said Hershock was fired from the fundraising foundation over a dispute about his expenses. Among them were a $1,032 hotel bill at the Four Seasons Hotel in New York City, where Hershock met with a potential donor, and a satellite installation at Hershock's home in New Mexico. The foundation was created in 2001 by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.