Lyrae joined Archaeology Southwest in August 2025 as Vice President of Finance & Operations. Lyrae oversees our financial management, including budgeting, accounting, cash flow, reporting, contracts and business policies and procedures. Lyrae also manages all aspects of human resources, including staffing, compensation, benefits, policies, compliance, and onboarding. In addition, she also oversees facilities, property, and technology operations in collaboration with the senior leadership team.
Lyrae brings over 25 years of experience in nonprofit administration, specializing in budgeting, strategic planning, financial management, project management, policies and compliance, and communications. Before joining Archaeology Southwest, Lyrae was the Associate Vice President of Institutional Planning & Effectiveness at Colorado College since 2007. She has also held leadership positions at University of Maine School of Law, Wesleyan University, and the University of Arizona.
Lyrae is native to Southern Arizona, spending much of her early life in Tucson. Lyrae attended the University of Arizona for both her undergraduate and graduate degrees. She holds a master’s degree in higher education finance & economics and bachelor of science degrees in finance and accounting. In her free time, Lyrae enjoys golfing, hiking, and maintaining her hummingbird feeders.