Lopez Named Director of Internal Audits for WSU

PULLMAN, Wash. — Heather R. Lopez has been named the new director of internal audits for Washington State University. She succeeds Norm Coffman, who will retire June 30.

The internal auditor is responsible for evaluating the adequacy and effectiveness of university and department accounting systems and works to ensure compliance with all policies, laws and regulations. The auditor, who reports to the president and supervises two full-time auditors, also conducts investigative audits resulting from any allegations of improper financial practices at the university.

“We are extremely fortunate that Heather Lopez has agreed to be our auditor. She has an excellent record and is already familiar with Washington State University and our people and processes,” said WSU President V. Lane Rawlins. “I was very impressed with her questions in our interview, and her record and recommendations indicate that we are making a great choice.”

Lopez received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from WSU in 1999. She was hired by the Washington State Auditor’s Office as an assistant state auditor after graduating and was promoted to the position of assistant audit manager in 2002. With the state auditor’s office, she has worked on audits of various government entities, including WSU.