Lewis & Clark College Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Lewis & Clark College has 8 executives leading key functions including information technology, finance, human resources, and institutional leadership.

Driven by a commitment to academic excellence, Lewis & Clark College fosters an environment where students and faculty combine classic liberal learning with forward-thinking collaboration across its three distinct schools, impacting education with a public conscience and global reach.

Leadership Roles at Lewis & Clark College

  • Operations Chief Financial Officer & Vice President - Andrea Dooley
  • Program Director & Special To The Assistant & Chief Financial Officer - Billie Walker
  • President - Nick Biesterfeld
  • President - Robin Holmes-Sullivan
  • President - Jane Atkinson
  • Chief Information Officer - Bruce Podobnik
  • Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer - Adam Buchwald
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Helen Howell
  • Andrea Dooley - Operations Chief Financial Officer & Vice President

    Andrea Dooley, the Operations Chief Financial Officer & Vice President at Lewis & Clark College, manages the financial health and operational efficiency of the institution. Dooley directs financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation across all three schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Education and Counseling, and the School of Law. This executive leadership ensures fiscal responsibility and supports the college's mission of combining classic liberal learning with forward-thinking collaboration. Andrea Dooley's oversight extends to critical operational functions, ensuring the college's infrastructure supports its residential campus with global reach. By optimizing financial strategies, Dooley enables the pursuit of new ways of knowing and reinforces Lewis & Clark's commitment to being a private institution with a public conscience. The role involves strategic financial management to sustain and advance the college's educational and research endeavors.

    Billie Walker - Program Director & Special To The Assistant & Chief Financial Officer

    Billie Walker, the Program Director & Special To The Assistant & Chief Financial Officer at Lewis & Clark College, provides critical support to financial operations and program management. Walker assists in overseeing financial planning and resource management, contributing to the fiscal stability of the institution across its three schools. This role supports the college's commitment to combining classic liberal learning with forward-thinking collaboration. Billie Walker's contributions are integral to maintaining Lewis & Clark's status as a residential campus with global reach and a private institution with a public conscience. The focus is on ensuring efficient program delivery and sound financial practices that enable the pursuit of new ways of knowing. Walker's involvement aids in the strategic execution of financial initiatives and program development.

    Nick Biesterfeld - President

    Nick Biesterfeld, the President at Lewis & Clark College, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the institution. Biesterfeld guides the overall vision and mission, ensuring the college continues to foster an environment of combining classic liberal learning with forward-thinking collaboration across its undergraduate, graduate, and law schools. This leadership role is pivotal in maintaining Lewis & Clark's identity as a residential campus with global reach and a private institution with a public conscience. Nick Biesterfeld champions initiatives that support the pursuit of new ways of knowing for students and faculty. The President's responsibilities include fostering strong relationships with stakeholders, overseeing institutional advancement, and ensuring the college's long-term sustainability and growth in the higher education landscape.

    Robin Holmes-Sullivan - President

    Robin Holmes-Sullivan, the President at Lewis & Clark College, directs the institution's strategic vision and operational leadership. Holmes-Sullivan is responsible for advancing the college's mission of combining classic liberal learning with forward-thinking collaboration across all academic divisions. This executive role ensures Lewis & Clark maintains its standing as a residential campus with global reach and a private institution with a public conscience. Robin Holmes-Sullivan cultivates an environment that encourages the pursuit of new ways of knowing among students and faculty. The President's leadership focuses on institutional development, community engagement, and ensuring the college's continued success and impact in higher education. Holmes-Sullivan's guidance shapes the college's future trajectory and commitment to academic excellence.

    Jane Atkinson - President

    Jane Atkinson, the President at Lewis & Clark College, provides overarching leadership and strategic direction for the institution. Atkinson guides the college's commitment to combining classic liberal learning with forward-thinking collaboration, impacting students and faculty across its three schools. This presidential role is fundamental to upholding Lewis & Clark's reputation as a residential campus with global reach and a private institution with a public conscience. Jane Atkinson fosters an environment dedicated to the pursuit of new ways of knowing. The President's responsibilities include setting institutional priorities, fostering external partnerships, and ensuring the college's continued academic and financial strength. Atkinson's leadership ensures the college remains at the forefront of innovative higher education.

    Bruce Podobnik - Chief Information Officer

    Bruce Podobnik, the Chief Information Officer at Lewis & Clark College, directs the institution's technology strategy and infrastructure. Podobnik oversees the development and implementation of information systems that support academic and administrative functions across the undergraduate College of Arts and Sciences, the graduate School of Education and Counseling, and the School of Law. This leadership role ensures the college's technological resources align with its mission of combining classic liberal learning with forward-thinking collaboration. By managing IT operations, Bruce Podobnik supports the pursuit of new ways of knowing for students and faculty. The Chief Information Officer's responsibilities include safeguarding institutional data, enhancing digital learning environments, and driving innovation in technology adoption to maintain Lewis & Clark's competitive edge in higher education. Podobnik's strategic vision ensures the college remains a residential campus with global reach, leveraging technology to connect its Portland, Oregon base with a worldwide community.

    Adam Buchwald - Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer

    Adam Buchwald, the Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Lewis & Clark College, collaborates on the strategic direction of information technology. Buchwald works alongside the Chief Information Officer to enhance the college's technological capabilities, supporting academic innovation and administrative processes. This role is crucial for integrating classic liberal learning with forward-thinking collaboration across the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Education and Counseling, and School of Law. Adam Buchwald contributes to ensuring the college's digital infrastructure supports its mission as a residential campus with global reach. The focus is on advancing technology solutions that facilitate the pursuit of new ways of knowing and uphold Lewis & Clark's commitment to being a private institution with a public conscience. Buchwald's efforts support the college's operational resilience and its capacity for technological advancement.
    Adam Buchwald

    Helen Howell - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Helen Howell, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Lewis & Clark College, leads the strategic management of the institution's workforce. Howell oversees all aspects of human resources, including talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation and benefits, and professional development for faculty and staff across the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Education and Counseling, and School of Law. This executive position ensures that human capital strategies align with Lewis & Clark's mission of combining classic liberal learning with forward-thinking collaboration. Helen Howell champions a culture that supports the college's identity as a residential campus with global reach and a private institution with a public conscience. The Chief Human Resources Officer's role is vital in fostering an environment conducive to the pursuit of new ways of knowing, ensuring a motivated and skilled team drives the college's success.
    Helen Howell

    Explore Leadership Teams in Colleges & Universities

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Lewis & Clark College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Lewis & Clark College?
    Lewis & Clark College is led by Andrea Dooley (Operations Chief Financial Officer & Vice President), along with executives such as Billie Walker (Program Director & Special To The Assistant & Chief Financial Officer) and Nick Biesterfeld (President).
    Who is part of Lewis & Clark College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Lewis & Clark College includes leaders such as Andrea Dooley (Operations Chief Financial Officer & Vice President), Billie Walker (Program Director & Special To The Assistant & Chief Financial Officer), Nick Biesterfeld (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Lewis & Clark College have?
    Lewis & Clark College has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Lewis & Clark College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Lewis & Clark College includes roles such as Operations Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Program Director & Special To The Assistant & Chief Financial Officer, President, President, President.