Spokane’s University District names new director

Spokane’s University District has hired a new director.

Lars Gilberts, an Inland Northwest native who recently worked for United Way in Florida, will start April 28. He replaces Mark Mansfield, who resigned to move back to Norway.

“This is an opportunity for me to bring my professional passions and skills back to the community I love,” said Gilberts, who grew up near Spokane in the community of Clayton.

The search committee cited Gilberts’ background in community initiatives, work with diverse stakeholders and fund-raising experience.

Gilberts has a marketing degree from the University of Texas Pan American and an MBA from Barry University in Florida.

In his most recent job, he helped Florida’s 32 United Ways engage their business, government and community partners to support low-income, working families.

Before that, Gilberts developed and managed the United Way Center for Financial Stability and several other initiatives.

The University District formed in 2009 with a vision related to higher education, research, job growth and urban living in 770 acres east of downtown along the Spokane River.