Fort Lewis College Executive and Leadership Team

Lori Cook, the Vice President, Advancement & Chief Executive Officer, The Flc Foundation at Fort Lewis College, directs all philanthropic initiatives and institutional growth strategies. Overseeing donor relations and foundation assets, the Vice President, Advancement & Chief Executive Officer, The Flc Foundation ensures alignment with the land grant mission of the institution. This leadership role involves cultivating partnerships across the Four Corners region to secure funding for academic programs and community forestry projects. By managing the endowment and external engagement, Lori Cook directly impacts the long-term financial sustainability of the college. The Vice President, Advancement & Chief Executive Officer, The Flc Foundation coordinates with the Board to expand the reach of educational resources. Through strategic fundraising, Cook strengthens the connection between the college and local communities, fostering an environment where ecological and social well-being remains a primary focus for all stakeholders involved in regional development.

Samantha Gallagher, the Chief Financial Officer at Fort Lewis College, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the entire institution. Overseeing financial reporting and resource allocation, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that all departments maintain compliance with institutional standards while supporting the broader mission of regional education. This leadership role involves analyzing economic data to optimize funding for community services and academic initiatives. By implementing rigorous financial controls, Samantha Gallagher directly impacts the operational efficiency of the college. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with executive leadership to align capital expenditures with the long-term goals of the Four Corners region. Through precise fiscal oversight, Gallagher secures the necessary resources to maintain high-quality educational services. The Chief Financial Officer drives financial stability, allowing the institution to focus on sustainable practices and the ecological well-being of the surrounding communities while navigating complex budgetary requirements.

Heather Shotton, the President at Fort Lewis College, provides overarching strategic vision and leadership for the entire academic institution. Overseeing the implementation of the land grant mission, the President ensures that all programs contribute to the social and economic advancement of the Four Corners region. This leadership role involves engaging with community stakeholders and faculty to promote ecological stewardship and sustainable development. By fostering an inclusive academic environment, Heather Shotton directly impacts the success of students and the broader community. The President coordinates with the Board and executive team to align institutional goals with regional needs. Through visionary guidance, Shotton drives the college toward excellence in education and community service. The President maintains a focus on long-term growth, ensuring that the institution remains a vital resource for local communities while upholding the highest standards of academic integrity and regional impact.

Dene Thomas, the President at Fort Lewis College, directs the executive strategy and institutional policy to advance the mission of the college. Overseeing academic excellence and community outreach, the President ensures that the institution serves as a catalyst for regional development. This leadership role involves championing initiatives that improve the social and economic well-being of the Four Corners region. By fostering partnerships with local organizations, Dene Thomas directly impacts the effectiveness of community forestry and ecosystem stewardship programs. The President coordinates with the leadership team to maintain the status of the college as a premier land grant institution. Through dedicated advocacy and strategic planning, Thomas supports the growth of academic programs that address regional challenges. The President drives the institutional agenda, ensuring that all efforts remain focused on providing high-quality education and sustainable solutions for the diverse communities served by the college.

James Bodine, the IT Chief Information Officer & Director at Fort Lewis College, architects the digital infrastructure and technological framework supporting the academic mission. Overseeing network security and data management, the IT Chief Information Officer & Director ensures that students and faculty possess reliable access to essential digital resources. This leadership role involves integrating advanced software solutions to facilitate collaborative forest planning and ecosystem research. By modernizing campus technology, James Bodine directly impacts the efficiency of administrative and educational processes. The IT Chief Information Officer & Director coordinates with academic departments to implement tools that promote sustainable practices across the Four Corners region. Through strategic investment in information systems, Bodine supports the growth of the institution as a regional education provider. The IT Chief Information Officer & Director maintains robust connectivity, enabling seamless communication and data sharing for all community-focused projects and institutional operations.

Cheryl Heitz, the Chief Financial & Operations Officer at Fort Lewis College, manages the integration of physical campus operations with fiscal strategy. Overseeing facilities management and operational logistics, the Chief Financial & Operations Officer ensures that the physical environment supports the academic and community-focused goals of the institution. This leadership role involves optimizing the use of campus resources to promote sustainable practices and ecological health. By streamlining operational workflows, Cheryl Heitz directly impacts the cost-effectiveness of college services. The Chief Financial & Operations Officer collaborates with other executives to align infrastructure projects with the broader mission of the Four Corners region. Through careful management of physical assets and operational budgets, Heitz secures the foundation for future growth. The Chief Financial & Operations Officer drives efficiency across all departments, ensuring that the college remains a functional and effective hub for regional education and community engagement.