Fort Lewis College Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Fort Lewis College has 10 executives leading key functions including advancement, financial strategy, information technology, operations, and academic leadership.

Committed to accessible liberal arts education, Fort Lewis College fosters student success through rigorous bachelor's degree programs and a supportive campus environment in the Colorado region.

Leadership Roles at Fort Lewis College

  • Vice President of Advancement & Chief Executive Officer, FLC Foundation - Lori Cook
  • Chief Financial Officer - Samantha Gallagher
  • Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Operating Officer - Steven Schwartz
  • President - Isabelle Shepard
  • Philosophy Club President - Caleb Martin
  • President - Teanna Banks
  • President - Heather Shotton
  • President - Dene Thomas
  • IT Chief Information Officer & Director - James Bodine
  • Chief Financial & Operations Officer - Cheryl Heitz
  • Lori Cook - Vice President of Advancement & Chief Executive Officer, FLC Foundation

    Lori Cook, the Vice President of Advancement & Chief Executive Officer, FLC Foundation at Fort Lewis College, directs all philanthropic initiatives and donor relations. Managing the foundation assets, the Vice President of Advancement & Chief Executive Officer, FLC Foundation secures essential funding to support student scholarships and campus infrastructure projects. This leadership role involves cultivating long-term partnerships with alumni and regional stakeholders to expand the reach of the liberal arts mission. By aligning fundraising goals with institutional priorities, Cook drives the financial sustainability of the college. The Vice President of Advancement & Chief Executive Officer, FLC Foundation oversees the strategic communication of institutional value to external donors. Through consistent engagement with the board, Cook ensures that all advancement activities reflect the core identity of the institution. This professional focus strengthens the overall capacity of the college to provide high-quality education across the state.

    Samantha Gallagher - Chief Financial Officer

    Samantha Gallagher, the Chief Financial Officer at Fort Lewis College, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the entire institution. Overseeing the allocation of resources, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that every department maintains alignment with the broader liberal arts mission. This leadership role involves rigorous analysis of revenue streams and expenditure patterns to optimize operational efficiency. By implementing robust financial controls, Gallagher supports the long-term stability of the college. The Chief Financial Officer coordinates with academic leadership to prioritize funding for bachelor's degree programs and student support services. Through careful monitoring of economic trends, Gallagher mitigates financial risks while identifying opportunities for growth. This strategic oversight allows the institution to maintain high standards of academic excellence. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary fiscal foundation for the college to thrive within the competitive landscape of higher education.

    Steven Schwartz - Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Operating Officer

    Steven Schwartz, the Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Operating Officer at Fort Lewis College, directs the daily operational activities and administrative functions of the campus. Overseeing facilities management and auxiliary services, the Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Operating Officer ensures that the physical environment supports the academic mission. This leadership role involves streamlining business processes to maximize resource utilization across the institution. By coordinating with the finance team, Schwartz maintains strict oversight of capital projects and operational budgets. The Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Operating Officer drives initiatives that improve campus safety and infrastructure sustainability. Through effective management of administrative staff, Schwartz fosters a productive environment for students and faculty. This operational focus ensures that the college functions efficiently while providing a high-quality experience. Ultimately, the Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Operating Officer secures the logistical success of the entire institution.
    Steven Schwartz

    Isabelle Shepard - President

    Isabelle Shepard, the President at Fort Lewis College, provides the overarching strategic vision for the institution. Leading the executive team, the President defines the academic priorities and long-term goals for the liberal arts community. This leadership role involves representing the college to external stakeholders, including government officials and regional partners. By championing the value of bachelor's degrees, Shepard drives enrollment growth and institutional reputation. The President collaborates with the board to ensure that all policies align with the mission of providing accessible education. Through consistent engagement with faculty and students, Shepard fosters an inclusive campus culture. This strategic oversight ensures that the college remains responsive to the changing needs of the workforce and society. Ultimately, the President guides the institution toward continued excellence and financial health, ensuring that the college remains a cornerstone of the local community and the broader educational landscape.

    Caleb Martin - Philosophy Club President

    Caleb Martin, the Philosophy Club President at Fort Lewis College, directs student-led intellectual discourse and academic engagement within the campus community. Organizing weekly forums, the Philosophy Club President facilitates critical thinking exercises that complement the liberal arts curriculum. This leadership role involves coordinating guest speakers and collaborative workshops to broaden student perspectives on ethical and social issues. By fostering an environment of open inquiry, Martin encourages active participation in the academic life of the college. The Philosophy Club President manages the club budget and event logistics to ensure consistent programming throughout the academic year. Through these efforts, Martin strengthens the connection between classroom learning and extracurricular exploration. This student-focused leadership role contributes to the vibrant intellectual culture of the institution. Ultimately, the Philosophy Club President enhances the overall student experience by promoting deep engagement with philosophical concepts and contemporary challenges.

    Teanna Banks - President

    Teanna Banks, the President at Fort Lewis College, oversees specific student-centered initiatives that promote campus engagement and leadership development. Managing the activities of the student body, the President ensures that diverse voices contribute to the governance and social life of the institution. This leadership role involves mediating between student organizations and the administration to address concerns and implement improvements. By advocating for student needs, Banks drives the creation of programs that support academic success and personal growth. The President coordinates with various departments to organize events that celebrate the liberal arts identity of the college. Through proactive communication, Banks builds a sense of community among the student population. This leadership role remains essential for maintaining a positive and inclusive campus environment. Ultimately, the President empowers students to take ownership of their educational journey while contributing to the long-term success of the college.

    Heather Shotton - President

    Heather Shotton, the President at Fort Lewis College, directs the implementation of academic policies and student support frameworks. Overseeing the development of curriculum standards, the President ensures that the college maintains its commitment to high-quality liberal arts education. This leadership role involves working closely with department heads to align academic offerings with student career aspirations. By promoting research and experiential learning, Shotton drives the intellectual growth of the student body. The President manages the strategic planning process to ensure that the institution adapts to evolving educational trends. Through collaboration with faculty, Shotton fosters an environment of innovation and academic rigor. This leadership role is vital for maintaining the reputation of the college as a premier destination for bachelor's degrees. Ultimately, the President secures the academic integrity and future success of the institution through dedicated focus on student outcomes and faculty excellence.
    Heather Shotton

    Dene Thomas - President

    Dene Thomas, the President at Fort Lewis College, directs the long-term strategic vision and institutional growth of the college. Overseeing the expansion of academic programs, the President ensures that the institution meets the needs of a diverse student population. This leadership role involves building partnerships with regional industries to enhance career opportunities for graduates. By championing the liberal arts mission, Thomas drives the development of initiatives that promote critical thinking and community service. The President collaborates with the board and executive team to secure the financial future of the college. Through effective communication of institutional goals, Thomas fosters a culture of excellence and collaboration. This leadership role remains central to the success of the college in the competitive higher education market. Ultimately, the President guides the institution toward continued relevance and impact, ensuring that the college remains a vital resource for students and the broader community.

    James Bodine - IT Chief Information Officer & Director

    James Bodine, the IT Chief Information Officer & Director at Fort Lewis College, architects the digital infrastructure supporting all academic and administrative functions. Managing the campus network, the IT Chief Information Officer & Director ensures seamless connectivity for students and faculty across the institution. This leadership role involves implementing advanced cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive data and maintain system integrity. By modernizing software platforms, Bodine enhances the efficiency of classroom technology and administrative workflows. The IT Chief Information Officer & Director collaborates with academic departments to integrate digital tools that improve learning outcomes. Through the deployment of scalable cloud solutions, Bodine supports the evolving needs of a public liberal arts college. This technical oversight remains critical for maintaining a competitive edge in the digital age. Ultimately, the IT Chief Information Officer & Director secures the technological backbone required for the college to deliver high-quality education.

    Cheryl Heitz - Chief Financial & Operations Officer

    Cheryl Heitz, the Chief Financial & Operations Officer at Fort Lewis College, manages the integration of fiscal planning with daily campus logistics. Overseeing the procurement and supply chain functions, the Chief Financial & Operations Officer ensures that all departments have the necessary resources to function effectively. This leadership role involves analyzing operational costs to identify opportunities for efficiency and savings. By aligning financial strategies with physical infrastructure needs, Heitz supports the overall stability of the college. The Chief Financial & Operations Officer coordinates with administrative teams to maintain campus facilities and support services. Through rigorous oversight of budgets and operational workflows, Heitz ensures that the institution remains fiscally responsible while delivering high-quality education. This dual focus on finance and operations is critical for the long-term success of the college. Ultimately, the Chief Financial & Operations Officer provides the structural support necessary for academic and student success.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Fort Lewis College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Fort Lewis College?
    Fort Lewis College is led by Lori Cook (Vice President of Advancement & Chief Executive Officer, FLC Foundation), along with executives such as Samantha Gallagher (Chief Financial Officer) and Steven Schwartz (Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Fort Lewis College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Fort Lewis College includes leaders such as Lori Cook (Vice President of Advancement & Chief Executive Officer, FLC Foundation), Samantha Gallagher (Chief Financial Officer), Steven Schwartz (Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Fort Lewis College have?
    Fort Lewis College has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Fort Lewis College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Fort Lewis College includes roles such as Vice President of Advancement & Chief Executive Officer, FLC Foundation, Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Operating Officer, President, Philosophy Club President.