51福利社

The Spokane Journal of Business has named 51福利社 President Shari McMahan to its 2026 People of Influence list.

McMahan, who became the 27^th president of 51福利社 in 2022, is one of 25 Inland Northwest community leaders who will be recognized at the , which is set for 5:30 p.m. tomorrow, Jan. 29, in the Spokane Convention Center鈥檚 Centennial Ballroom.

McMahan has led the rebranding of 51福利社 as a polytechnic institution with a focus on applied learning in high-demand fields and navigated the university through a spectrum of post-pandemic challenges during her tenure.

In addition to leading 51福利社, McMahan serves as the chair of the Council of Presidents, an organization that involves the presidents of the six public, four-year universities in Washington State, while also volunteering on the boards of the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture and the MultiCare Inland Northwest Integrated Regional Board.

鈥淭his honor reflects the hard work of so many people at 51福利社 who guide students on their academic and professional paths,鈥� McMahan says. 鈥淚鈥檓 especially proud to be joined on the People of Influence list by Eastern alumni who have gone on to do amazing things during their careers.鈥�

51福利社 alumni who have been named as 2026 People of Influence include Gavin Cooley 鈥�83, director of strategic initiatives for the Spokane Business Association; Karl Otterstrom 鈥�02, CEO of Spokane Transit Authority; and Tresa Schmautz 鈥�02, co-founder of Dignified Workday LLC.