For over three decades, Dr. Sherri Lynch has cultivated a career that bridges academic excellence, executive leadership, and a steadfast commitment to empowering women. With a diverse professional background spanning higher education, corporate sales, entrepreneurship, and social impact, she has become a sought-after voice in leadership development and gender equity initiatives. Her signature strength lies in bringing people together—across industries, communities, and ideologies—to cultivate shared purpose and transformative progress.
Currently serving as the Assistant Dean for the School of Leadership Studies at Gonzaga University, Sherri is a passionate architect of inclusive leadership programs and a tireless advocate for educational innovation. In her role, she oversees critical institutional functions including strategic growth, corporate partnerships, program management, and alumni engagement. Her work is deeply embedded in the values of emotional intelligence, relational trust, and ethical leadership, and she infuses each initiative she touches with these enduring principles.
A visionary change-maker, Sherri co-founded the Women Lead Initiative at Gonzaga, a pioneering program designed to educate and empower women both personally and professionally. Through workshops, conferences, webinars, and a highly regarded Certificate in Women’s Leadership, the initiative has reached and inspired hundreds annually since its inception in 2015. This work exemplifies her dedication to dismantling systemic barriers and fostering inclusive professional ecosystems.
Prior to her current leadership roles, Sherri held multiple strategic positions within Gonzaga University, including Director of Community, Corporate, and External Relations and Assistant Director of Leadership Training & Development. In these roles, she led institutional fundraising, alumni relations, and corporate outreach efforts while co-developing leadership training pathways for professionals across the Northwest. Her ability to bridge academic frameworks with real-world impact continues to distinguish her as an innovator in educational leadership.
Her extensive career also spans entrepreneurship and corporate experience. As a former owner of a small business and a regional sales director for Beijo Inc., Sherri honed the business acumen, marketing expertise, and operational insight that now inform her strategic work in higher education. Her corporate tenure includes a formative role at Enterasys Networks and a results-driven position with Janssen Pharmaceuticals, where she managed complex territories and client relationships with precision and professionalism.
Sherri’s academic credentials are equally impressive. She earned her Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University, with her dissertation, “The Ways Women Build Community,” offering a profound exploration of gender, identity, and collective empowerment. She also holds a Master’s in Organizational Leadership and a Bachelor’s in Public Relations/Marketing, further grounding her professional practice in robust theoretical and communicative foundations.
Beyond her executive roles, Sherri serves as the Board Chair for Canopy Credit Union, a Community Development Financial Institution committed to financial wellness and inclusion. She also contributes her leadership to the YWCA Spokane Board of Directors, where her advocacy supports initiatives to eliminate racism and empower women. Her volunteerism reflects a deeply held belief in justice, community development, and the dignity of every individual.
Her global perspective, shaped by professional engagements and speaking across Romania, Italy, the UK, and Switzerland, enhances her culturally competent approach to leadership. She values linguistic diversity as a conduit for deeper human connection. These international experiences inform her inclusive lens and ability to lead with empathy in any setting.
An accomplished public speaker, Sherri frequently addresses audiences on topics such as women in leadership and leader identity. Her compelling delivery, grounded in lived experience and academic scholarship, resonates deeply with audiences from the boardroom to the classroom. Whether mentoring emerging leaders or keynoting a national conference, she brings clarity, purpose, and inspiration to every dialogue.
At her core, Sherri is guided by a love for learning, an unwavering belief in people’s potential, and a mission to create spaces where others can rise. She is energized by nature, adventure, and meaningful connection—whether traveling with loved ones or hiking the scenic trails of the Pacific Northwest. With over 30 years of professional experience and a heart for service, she continues to shape a legacy of transformational leadership grounded in authenticity, courage, and compassion.
Character:
Sherri Lynch leads with authenticity, humility, and a strong moral compass, consistently aligning her actions with a deep commitment to social justice and community well-being. She builds trust through compassion and integrity, creating environments where people feel seen, heard, and empowered.
Knowledge:
Sherri blends academic rigor with practical leadership experience, holding a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies and decades of applied expertise in organizational development and program design. Her ability to translate theory into actionable insight allows her to guide individuals and institutions toward growth and purpose.
Strategic:
Sherri possesses the foresight to see the bigger picture while implementing actionable steps that drive long-term success. Her experience across sectors gives her a multifaceted understanding of organizational growth and leadership pipelines.
Communication:
An accomplished public speaker and facilitator, Sherri communicates with clarity, empathy, and purpose across diverse audiences. Her storytelling ability and relational approach foster connection, drive engagement, and inspire meaningful action.
