Staff
Meet the UCUT Staff: Coordinating Tribal Efforts to Protect Natural Resources and Culture Across the Upper Columbia Region
Coordinating Tribal Efforts
for a Stronger Future
UCUT staff play a vital role in uniting the work of our five Member Tribes. From streamlining data and reporting to advancing outreach and education, our team ensures that every initiative reflects our shared mission—protecting the land, water, wildlife, and culture of the Upper Columbia River Basin.
Laura Robinson
Executive Director
Laura joined the UCUT team in 2020 with over a decade of experience in fish and wildlife policy in the Columbia River Basin. Before being appointed as the Executive Director in November 2025, Laura was the Policy Analyst at UCUT. Laura’s passions lie in collaborating with multiple entities on complex processes, strategically advancing goals through consensus and a solutions-driven approach, and supporting Indigenous communities in environmental stewardship. Prior to joining UCUT, Laura was the Tribal Relations Advisor and Program Analyst at the Northwest Power and Conservation Council and earned her Executive Master of Public Administration and Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies and Geography. Born and raised in Oregon, Laura enjoys being outdoors in the woods, on the coast, and in her garden.
Lori Rothrock
Office Manager
A member of the Spokane Tribe of Indians, Lori has over 20 years of experience working for UCUT. She keeps operations running smoothly and is responsible for office management and general administrative practices and techniques. She also spent four years working in an administrative position for the Spokane Tribal Business Council. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her grandkids, nieces and nephews.
Caroline Keever
Environmental Manager
Caroline was born and raised in Manhattan Beach, California, but has spent the last eight years living in Spokane. She recently earned her Law degree (J.D.) from Gonzaga University, focusing on conservation and water issues. Caroline comes to UCUT with experience working with the Forest Service as a Hydrology Technician in the Colville National Forest, Earth Law Center on Snake River litigation, and Spokane Riverkeeper on Clean Water Defense. In her free time, Caroline enjoys hiking, playing beach volleyball, and continuing to learn the craft of fly fishing.
Cody Thomas
TFW Policy Coordinator/Analyst
Cody joined the UCUT team with diverse experience working with local Tribes to restore and protect critical forest, riparian, and aquatic habitat. After graduating from Eastern Washington University with a master’s degree in biology, he worked for both the Kalispel and the Spokane Tribe of Indians and quickly realized that working with and advocating for indigenous communities and the natural resources they depend on was his passion. He is thrilled to continue this work for all the UCUT Member Tribes. In his free time, he enjoys landscape photography, hiking, and making increasingly complicated tacos.
Jerry White Jr.
Environmental Coordinator
Jerry has had a passion for Rivers and fish since he was taught to fish for salmon in the Willamette River with his grandfather. Jerry went on to be Executive Director for the Spokane Riverkeeper, where he worked for a decade to protect the Spokane River, collaborate with the Upper Columbia Tribes, and advocate for the larger community. Jerry has lived with his wife for 25 years a stone’s throw from the waters and trout of the Spokane River and regularly boats, swims, and fishes the River.
See Our Work in Action
Our commitment to protecting fish, water, wildlife, habitat, and culture comes to life through the projects we lead across the Columbia Plateau. Explore how UCUT’s collaborative efforts are making a lasting impact on the land and its people.
Right Image Credit: Kalispel Tribes 2016 Pow Wow
