EUGENE, Ore. — Lane Community College is excited to welcome Kara Flath as the incoming Vice President of Finance and Operations, starting March 23. Ms. Flath arrives with more than 20 years of experience in senior management within educational and public sectors, providing her with extensive knowledge, leadership, and expertise for this critical position.
Recognized for her goal-driven approach and expertise in handling complex situations and tight deadlines, Kara Flath has successfully fostered growth and efficiency in fast-paced settings. Her most recent position was the Chief Financial Officer at North Wasco School District, where she was responsible for the management of a significant $50M budget, emphasizing strong communication, innovative problem-solving, and the effective use of resources to enhance student and district outcomes.
Previously, Ms. Flath showcased her remarkable skills and dedication at the Montana Department of Corrections, quickly advancing to Budget and Program Planning Bureau Chief due to her exceptional performance and leadership abilities. Her commitment to education was further demonstrated in her work with the Montana Office of Public Instruction, where she integrated educational goals with fiscal management.
Ms. Flath's career is distinguished by her achievements in implementing statewide financial policies, managing extensive budgets, leading union negotiations, and contributing significantly to collective bargaining processes. She holds an MBA from Western Governors University, a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies from Montana State University, and an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Technology from the University of Montana HCT. Additionally, her academic credentials are enhanced by certifications in Education Finance and Project Management from Georgetown University and George Washington University, respectively.
Expressing her enthusiasm, Kara Flath stated, "I am excited to join Lane Community College and contribute to its mission of providing comprehensive, accessible, quality, learning-centered educational opportunities," said Kara. "I look forward to leveraging my experiences and skills to enhance the financial health and operational efficiency of the college, ensuring it continues to serve as a pillar of opportunity for our community."
Lane Community College is confident that Ms. Flath's leadership and strategic vision will significantly contribute to the college's continued growth and achievement. We are pleased to welcome Kara Flath into our community.
Lane Community College educates over 15,000 students annually at six locations across Lane County and online. Students and alumni from all 50 states and 79 countries create more than an $675 million dollar impact on the local economy, helping to support more than 8,900 local jobs. Lane provides affordable, quality, professional technical and college transfer programs; business development and employee training; academic, language and life skills development; and lifelong personal development and enrichment courses.