Fort Lewis College Executive and Leadership Team

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 financial reach of the institution. By aligning fundraising goals with the broader mission of the college, Lori Cook ensures sustainable growth for academic programs. The Vice President of Advancement & Chief Executive Officer, FLC Foundation also coordinates with the Board of Directors to maintain transparency and fiscal responsibility. Through strategic outreach, Cook strengthens the connection between the college and the broader community, ultimately enhancing the overall educational experience for the student body.

Samantha Gallagher, the Chief Financial Officer at Fort Lewis College, manages the entire fiscal health and budgetary planning for the institution. Overseeing the allocation of resources, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that every department maintains alignment with the long-term financial goals of the college. This leadership role involves rigorous analysis of revenue streams and expenditure patterns to optimize operational efficiency across the campus. By implementing robust financial controls, Samantha Gallagher protects the economic stability of the liberal arts programs. The Chief Financial Officer also collaborates with academic leadership to prioritize funding for critical infrastructure and student services. Through precise forecasting and risk management, Gallagher supports the expansion of educational opportunities. The Chief Financial Officer maintains strict compliance with state and federal regulations, ensuring that all financial activities support the core mission of providing high-quality undergraduate education.

Heather Shotton, the President at Fort Lewis College, provides the overarching strategic vision and academic leadership for the entire institution. Overseeing the faculty and administrative departments, the President ensures that the college maintains its commitment to liberal arts excellence and student success. This leadership role involves representing the college to external stakeholders, government officials, and the broader public. By fostering an inclusive campus culture, Heather Shotton drives initiatives that promote diversity and academic rigor. The President also works closely with the Board of Trustees to set long-term goals and ensure the institutional mission remains relevant in a changing educational landscape. Through collaborative decision-making, Shotton aligns the efforts of all departments to support student retention and graduation rates. The President maintains a focus on institutional growth, ensuring that the college continues to provide high-quality bachelor's degrees to the regional community.

Dene Thomas, the President at Fort Lewis College, focuses on the external partnerships and regional integration of the college within the broader educational ecosystem. Overseeing the development of community outreach programs, the President strengthens the ties between the institution and local industry leaders. This leadership role involves advocating for the value of liberal arts education at the state and national levels. By building strategic alliances, Dene Thomas expands the internship and career opportunities available to the student body. The President also manages the institutional reputation, ensuring that the college remains a top choice for prospective students. Through active engagement with the community, Thomas supports the economic development of the region while maintaining the academic integrity of the college. The President drives the long-term sustainability of the institution by fostering a culture of innovation and excellence in all academic and administrative endeavors.

James Bodine, the IT Chief Information Officer & Director at Fort Lewis College, architects the digital infrastructure and technological framework for the entire campus. Managing the network security and data systems, the IT Chief Information Officer & Director ensures seamless connectivity for students, faculty, and administrative staff. This leadership role involves implementing innovative software solutions to enhance the learning environment and streamline academic processes. By modernizing the digital landscape, James Bodine supports the integration of advanced research tools into the liberal arts curriculum. The IT Chief Information Officer & Director also coordinates with other executive leaders to align technology investments with the strategic objectives of the college. Through proactive maintenance and system upgrades, Bodine mitigates cybersecurity risks while maintaining high performance. The IT Chief Information Officer & Director drives the digital transformation necessary to keep the institution competitive in the modern educational market.

Cheryl Heitz, the Chief Financial & Operations Officer at Fort Lewis College, directs the daily administrative functions and physical plant operations of the campus. Overseeing facilities management and auxiliary services, the Chief Financial & Operations Officer ensures that the physical environment supports the academic mission of the college. This leadership role involves optimizing supply chain logistics and campus maintenance schedules to maximize operational efficiency. By managing the physical assets, Cheryl Heitz creates a safe and productive space for students and faculty. The Chief Financial & Operations Officer also collaborates with the finance department to ensure that operational spending remains within budgetary constraints. Through strategic planning, Heitz improves the sustainability of campus facilities and services. The Chief Financial & Operations Officer maintains high standards for campus safety and infrastructure, ensuring that the physical campus remains a cornerstone of the student experience.