Dr. Lauren Van Koughnett (She/her), LT Catalyst Program Manager

Dr. Lauren Van Koughnett joins Leadership Tomorrow as the LT Catalyst Program Manager as we prepare to launch our first LT-hosted Catalyst cohort in February 2027. This fall, she will lead the program's transition and recruitment efforts while partnering with our team to strengthen evaluation practices and deepen program impact.

Lauren brings extensive experience in leadership development, strategic partnerships, and program design. Most recently, she led the Leadership Development Program at We Are Washington Employers, where she co-designed the program's core curriculum under the deans of Washington university business schools, work that originated by Governor Gregoire taskforce on workplace culture and learning, and translated 18 competencies into a cross-institutional learning experience. Collaborating with universities, state officials, and corporate leaders, Lauren's work has focused on building learning experiences that equip leaders to drive meaningful change in their organizations and communities.

Before that, Lauren spent nearly two decades in higher education, including serving as Director for Student Services at Washington's State Board for Community and Technical Colleges. A lifelong Washingtonian and first-generation doctoral graduate, she earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Washington, where her research focused on emotional intelligence and leadership development.