Alumni News

Belmont Abbey College Appoints Heather A. Lachenauer as Senior Vice President and General Counsel Belmont, N.C. (August 19th, 2026) – Belmont Abbey College is thrilled to welcome Heather A. Lachenauer as Senior Vice President and General Counsel. In this role, Lachenauer will provide strategic legal counsel to the college’s leadership while helping advance the college’s mission and long-term priorities.  Lachenauer brings nearly two decades of experience advising nonprofit organizations, religious and educational institutions, corporations, and individuals on complex legal, regulatory, governance, and risk management matters. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with organizational leaders and boards to navigate challenges, strengthen internal policies and practices, and make sound decisions in support of their vision and mission. Heather has helped numerous organizations identify and mitigate potential liabilities and risks to prevent adverse consequences. “Heather Lachenauer is an exceptional leader and attorney, and I am thrilled to have her join us as a senior member of Belmont Abbey College’s Cabinet,” said Dr. Jeffrey W. Talley, President of Belmont Abbey College. “Heather has dedicated her life to serving God, His Church, and others as a legal scholar and practitioner. We are very blessed indeed to have her as a critical part of our team. I know she will do great things here.” “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Belmont Abbey College and to join a community so deeply committed to the formation of its students and the advancement of Catholic higher education,” said Lachenauer. “Belmont Abbey’s strong Catholic and Benedictine identity is central to its mission, and I look forward to drawing on my experience to support the college’s leadership and help protect and strengthen the mission that makes Belmont Abbey so distinctive.” Prior to joining the leadership team at Belmont Abbey College, Lachenaur was a partner at Brown & Streza,...