Lewis & Clark College Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Lewis & Clark College has 7 executives leading key functions including information technology, financial management, human resources, and institutional strategy.

Committed to academic excellence and global engagement, Lewis & Clark College fosters a unique environment where liberal learning meets collaborative research to prepare students for complex modern challenges.

Leadership Roles at Lewis & Clark College

  • Program Director & Special To The Assistant & Chief Financial Officer - Billie Walker
  • Operations Chief Financial Officer & Vice President - Andrea Dooley
  • President - Nick Biesterfeld
  • President - Jane Atkinson
  • Chief Information Officer - Bruce Podobnik
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Helen Howell
  • Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer - Adam Buchwald
  • 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, manages complex financial initiatives and administrative programs. Walker executes strategic oversight of budgetary allocations to ensure fiscal health across all three schools. By streamlining operational workflows, the Program Director & Special To The Assistant & Chief Financial Officer supports the institution's mission of combining classic liberal learning with collaborative innovation. Billie Walker coordinates with the finance department to monitor resource distribution and long-term financial sustainability. This role involves analyzing institutional data to inform decision-making processes that impact campus-wide programs. Through rigorous financial planning, Walker optimizes the use of funds to enhance student services and faculty research opportunities. The Program Director & Special To The Assistant & Chief Financial Officer maintains alignment with the college's broader strategic objectives while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and institutional policies.

    Andrea Dooley - Operations Chief Financial Officer & Vice President

    Andrea Dooley, the Operations Chief Financial Officer & Vice President at Lewis & Clark College, directs the institution's financial strategy and operational performance. Dooley architects long-term fiscal plans that sustain the college's residential campus and global reach. By overseeing capital projects and budget management, the Operations Chief Financial Officer & Vice President ensures that resources align with the strategic goals of the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Education and Counseling, and the School of Law. Andrea Dooley manages the financial reporting processes that provide transparency to the board and stakeholders. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to guide investment decisions and revenue growth. Through the optimization of operational expenditures, Dooley supports the college's commitment to academic quality and institutional stability. The Operations Chief Financial Officer & Vice President drives initiatives that enhance financial resilience, enabling the institution to pursue new ways of knowing and collaborative learning.

    Nick Biesterfeld - President

    Nick Biesterfeld, the President at Lewis & Clark College, directs the overall strategic vision and institutional mission. Biesterfeld architects partnerships that expand the college's global reach and strengthen its reputation as a private institution with a public conscience. By leading the executive team, the President ensures that the undergraduate and graduate schools maintain high standards of academic excellence and forward-thinking collaboration. Nick Biesterfeld manages relationships with alumni, donors, and community leaders to secure the resources necessary for campus growth. This leadership role involves representing the college in national higher education forums and advocating for the value of liberal learning. Through the promotion of interdisciplinary research, Biesterfeld fosters an environment where students and faculty pursue new ways of knowing. The President drives the long-term development of the campus, ensuring that the institution remains a vibrant center for intellectual inquiry and social responsibility.

    Jane Atkinson - President

    Jane Atkinson, the President at Lewis & Clark College, directs the academic policy and institutional governance frameworks. Atkinson architects initiatives that integrate classic liberal learning with modern, collaborative research methodologies across all three schools. By overseeing the faculty senate and academic committees, the President ensures that the curriculum remains rigorous and relevant to contemporary global challenges. Jane Atkinson manages the implementation of strategic academic goals that support the college's mission of fostering a public conscience. This leadership role involves coordinating with the board of trustees to define the institution's future direction and educational priorities. Through the cultivation of an inclusive campus culture, Atkinson promotes intellectual diversity and student success. The President drives the development of academic programs that prepare graduates for leadership in a complex world, ensuring that the college continues to provide a transformative educational experience for every student.

    Bruce Podobnik - Chief Information Officer

    Bruce Podobnik, the Chief Information Officer at Lewis & Clark College, directs the digital infrastructure supporting academic and administrative operations. Podobnik architects secure network environments that facilitate research and collaboration across the undergraduate College of Arts and Sciences, the graduate School of Education and Counseling, and the School of Law. By modernizing campus technology, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless access to digital resources for faculty and students. Bruce Podobnik manages the integration of advanced data systems to improve institutional efficiency and support the college's commitment to forward-thinking education. This leadership role involves coordinating with academic departments to align technological capabilities with pedagogical goals. Through the implementation of robust cybersecurity protocols, Podobnik protects sensitive institutional data while enabling global connectivity. The Chief Information Officer maintains a focus on scalable solutions that accommodate the evolving needs of a residential campus with a public conscience.

    Helen Howell - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Helen Howell, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Lewis & Clark College, directs talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture initiatives. Howell architects comprehensive human capital strategies that attract and retain top-tier faculty and staff across the institution's diverse academic divisions. By fostering an inclusive work environment, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the college's commitment to a public conscience and academic excellence. Helen Howell manages performance evaluation systems and professional development programs that empower employees to contribute effectively to the campus community. This leadership role involves collaborating with department heads to address staffing needs and promote institutional values. Through the implementation of equitable compensation and benefits structures, Howell ensures the college remains competitive in the higher education market. The Chief Human Resources Officer drives initiatives that enhance organizational health and operational efficiency, ultimately supporting the success of the entire academic enterprise.
    Helen Howell

    Adam Buchwald - Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer

    Adam Buchwald, the Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Lewis & Clark College, oversees the deployment of enterprise software and digital learning tools. Buchwald architects scalable cloud infrastructure that enables remote and on-campus collaboration for the undergraduate and graduate schools. By optimizing the digital ecosystem, the Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures that faculty and students possess the necessary resources for forward-thinking research. Adam Buchwald manages the technical support teams responsible for maintaining campus-wide connectivity and hardware reliability. This role involves evaluating emerging technologies to determine their potential for enhancing the educational experience. Through strategic partnerships with software vendors, Buchwald secures cost-effective solutions that support the college's mission. The Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer focuses on digital transformation projects that improve administrative workflows and academic accessibility, ensuring the institution remains at the forefront of technological integration in higher education.
    Adam Buchwald

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

    Who leads Lewis & Clark College?
    Lewis & Clark College is led by Billie Walker (Program Director & Special To The Assistant & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Andrea Dooley (Operations Chief Financial Officer & Vice President) 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 Billie Walker (Program Director & Special To The Assistant & Chief Financial Officer), Andrea Dooley (Operations Chief Financial Officer & Vice President), Nick Biesterfeld (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Lewis & Clark College have?
    Lewis & Clark College has 7 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 Program Director & Special To The Assistant & Chief Financial Officer, Operations Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, President, President, Chief Information Officer.