Back to News Jerry Lemon to transition to a phased retirement schedule
Missoula, MT – The Washington Companies are pleased to announce that Heather Mattson has been named Chief Financial Officer of Washington Corporations, effective January 2, 2026. Heather’s appointment is in connection with Jerry Lemon transitioning to a phased retirement schedule effective May 1, 2026. Heather will lead the Washington Corporations finance & accounting and IT teams and will oversee accounting, reporting and other related areas for the broader Washington Companies. Heather will report to Jerry Lemon during a transition period. Jerry will continue as President & Chief Investment Officer of Washington Investments and Chief Investment Officer of the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation.
Heather Mattson commented, “I am so grateful and excited for the opportunity to be part of the Washington Companies once again. The talented people found throughout the organization are unmatched, and I am very proud to be a part of the Washington team. Thank you for welcoming me back and I look forward to working with the dedicated people across the companies.”
About Heather Mattson
Heather joined Montana Rail Link, Inc. (“MRL”) in 2010 as Manager of Internal Audit and held various other roles within MRL prior to being promoted to VP Finance and Accounting in October 2018. Heather continued her career with MRL until the transition to BNSF Railway Company in January 2024, where she recently served as General Director of Revenue and Disbursement Management. Prior to joining the Washington Companies and BNSF Railway, Heather worked for KPMG in Portland, OR and Anderson ZurMuehlen in Butte, MT. Heather graduated from the University of Montana with a master’s degree in accounting, and is a licensed CPA in the State of Montana.