The first enrolled member of the Yakama Nation to be named a vice president at Heritage University will also have a hand in managing the Toppenish university’s satellite campus in downtown Kennewick. 

The private university recently announced the promotion of Crystal Sampson as vice president of operations and chief of staff to President Chris Gilmer. Sampson, whose parents had a hand in founding and boosting Heritage, came on board less than three years ago as director of human resources after decades working in management roles in the private and tribal spheres.  

Gilmer said Sampson’s new role is a reflection of her ability and an effort to further diversify the university’s leadership team. 

“Crystal has been a trusted partner in leadership from day one,” he said in a statement. “Her insight, integrity and deep understanding of our community make Heritage stronger every day.” 

Sampson holds associate and bachelor’s degrees in business administration from Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas. She served in managerial roles with national retailer Costco Wholesale for nearly 20 years and held several management-level positions in the Yakama Nation tribal government, including with the Yakama Nation Housing Authority, Yakama Forest Products and Legends Casino Hotel. 

In her role, Sampson will oversee university operations while serving as a key advisor to Gilmer, helping align strategic priorities at the Toppenish campus and co-chairing a management team overseeing its regional site in Kennewick.  

Leadership at the Tri-City campus was shook up recently as Martín Valadez Torres, who served as vice president of strategic initiatives and chief operations officer, resigned and left the university at the end of January.  

“It is an honor to support our students, faculty, and staff, and to help advance a mission that reflects my values, my professional journey, and my commitment to the communities we serve,” Sampson said in a statement. “My experiences in tribal government, higher education, and corporate leadership have prepared me to lead with accountability, collaboration, and care. I look forward to continuing this work alongside campus and community partners as we strengthen Heritage’s impact for future generations.” 

Sampson’s father is Atwai Melvin Roger Sampson, who served for 18 years as chairman of the Yakama Nation Tribal Council and played a role in founding Heritage and establishing scholarships. Her mother, Betty Sampson, served as executive assistant to each of the institution’s four presidents and is considered a matriarch to the university, a statement read.