Dr. Liz Lance to Lead Q-Life Regional Broadband Initiative
New Q-Life Executive Director, Dr. Liz Lance, pictured with Q-Life Board Chair, Lee Weinstein, left, and former Q-Life Administrator, Matthew Klebes, right.
From Q-Life Network with edits and additions by Tom Peterson
The Dalles, Ore., Nov. 14, 2024 —The QualityLife Intergovernmental Agency or Q-Life Board of Directors has appointed tech. veteran Liz Lance as its first Executive Director. Dr. Lance started at the agency on October 28, 2024.
The move bodes well as the agency looks to improve the local economy, education and communication through improved and cost-effective connectivity to the internet.
Q-Life is a collaborative effort of public entities in The Dalles that began in 2002 and it created a 17-mile fiber optic loop through the city. The goal is to enhance the region's economic development efforts with a reliable, cost-effective, open-access link to the Bonneville Power Administration's fiber, which runs through The Dalles.
Dr. Lance brings over a decade of strategic technology leadership experience to Q-Life, most recently serving as Chief of Staff at Performica, where she led interdisciplinary collaboration and strategic planning across departments in a dynamic startup environment, advancing product development and operational alignment.
Performica is an artificial intelligence that refers to data in reducing employee attrition and automating Human Resources best practices. Performica was founded in 2022 and was headquartered in Santa Cruz, California, according to Crunchbase.
Her proven track record includes managing complex programs and leading cross-functional teams at organizations including Smarsh, where she served as Senior Director of Project Management, streamlining operations and supporting company-wide development efforts in a growing SaaS organization.
Smarsh is a software-as-a-service company that provides digital communications archiving, compliance, and information management services
"Liz brings a powerful combination of technical expertise, operational leadership, and genuine connection to our community," said Lee Weinstein, Q-Life Board Chair. "Her personal experience with rural broadband access and proven track record in both technology and community service makes her an ideal leader for Q-Life's next phase of growth."
Dr. Lance holds a doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California, where her research focused on effective strategies for workforce retention and organizational resilience. She also earned an MBA in Strategy and Innovation Management and a Bachelor's in Operations and Technology Management from the University of Portland and maintains both Project Management Professional (PMP) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certifications. Her local commitment to the region is demonstrated through her current role as Secretary for Dufur Volunteer Fire and Ambulance.
Tyler Stone
"Liz is the right person at the right time to take the reins of Q-Life and lead the organization into the future, and I look forward to working with her as a Q-Life Board member," said Matthew Klebes, former Q-Life Administrator. "Her energy, vision and commitment to our community will be invaluable as we work to expand affordable broadband access across Wasco County," added Tyler Stone, Wasco County Administrative Officer.
Roger Kline
"As a utility professional, I'm particularly excited about Liz's strategic approach to infrastructure development," said Roger Kline, Northern Wasco County PUD representative on the Q-Life Board. "Her understanding of both the technical and community aspects of broadband deployment will be crucial as we work to expand our network and ensure reliable, affordable internet access becomes as fundamental as electricity in Wasco County."
"I am passionate about leveraging technology to enhance education, healthcare, and economic opportunities in our community," said Dr. Lance. "Q-Life's values of being action-oriented, nimble, and proactive align perfectly with my professional experience and personal commitment to serving Wasco County. I look forward to working with our partners to ensure every person in our community has access to affordable, high-speed internet."
