Longtime LCSNW leader Heike Lake is named agency President

LCSNW has opened an exciting new chapter in Executive Team leadership. Effective immediately, Heike Lake is adding the role of agency President to her Chief Operations Officer (COO) duties. David Duea is no longer serving as President but will remain agency Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

David is announcing the change at a time when he’s taking on increasing responsibilities with other LCSNW partners and projects. 

In her roles as President and COO, Heike will focus on day-to-day operations of the organization. As CEO, David will continue to lead high-level decision making, strategy and agency vision setting.

“Heike is a shining example of someone who has put down deep roots at LCSNW and never stopped growing with the agency,” David said. “I can’t think of a better role model for career advancement than Heike, because she’s done it with integrity and humility and by advancing the well-being of everyone around her.”

Heike’s promotion is another milestone in an LCSNW career of nearly 30 years. The Kellogg, Idaho, native began as an intern in 1996 while working on her master’s degree in behavioral health. LCSNW then hired her to oversee foster home licensing in northern Idaho.

In 2001, Heike became the behavioral health team manager in Spokane, then its director, before going on to lead the agency’s child welfare programs. She was elevated to Director of the Inland Northwest District in 2016 and promoted to agency Chief Operating Officer in 2018.

“From the start, I have come to work at LCSNW feeling mission-driven and passionate to serve vulnerable people,” Heike said. “I am so honored to lead the hundreds of other LCSNW team members who feel the same way.”