(STORY: www.inwcf.org; PHOTO: spokesman.com)
Shelly O’Quinn, a local leader in government and community development has been named chief executive officer for Inland Northwest Community Foundation, one of the region’s leading philanthropic organizations that awards more than $5 million annually to foster vibrant communities.
O’Quinn was chosen among 55 applicants during a nationwide search conducted by executive search firm Waldron. O’Quinn will assume her new position in June. The Foundation’s current president and CEO, Mark Hurtubise, announced plans to retire from the Foundation last September, after 12 years in the position. During his tenure, the Foundation grew from $47 million to $110 million in assets, and awarded $38 million in grants.
“We were looking for an outstanding leader and collaborative community builder,” said Bob Bishopp, INWCF board chair. “In Shelly O’Quinn, we found a change agent with a track record of engaging diverse organizations to develop strategic initiatives and achieve common goals. Her experience, passion and vision will serve the foundation and our region well.”
O’Quinn has served as Spokane County Commissioner since 2013. Along with two other elected commissioners, she manages the executive and legislative branch responsibilities of Spokane County and is responsible for combined annual budgets of over $500 million. During her tenure at the County, O’Quinn has been instrumental in the development and implementation of a total quality management program targeted at increasing operational efficiencies, reducing expenses and improving employee morale. She serves as a community leader and facilitator on issues and projects of regional significance and represents Spokane County interests on over 20 regional and statewide boards and commissions.
Prior to being elected county commissioner, O’Quinn was the Director of Education and Workforce Development for Greater Spokane Incorporated for five years. Her experience with the nonprofit sector includes work for the George Nethercutt Foundation and Habitat for Humanity. She was previously employed at Inland Northwest Community Foundation as a senior program officer from 2007 to 2008.
“I am honored to assume the responsibility of leading an organization that has such a positive impact on our region,” said O’Quinn. “It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with a team whose culture is focused on connecting people who care with causes that matter. I look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead of us as an organization to develop a deeper level of engagement with donors and community partners, and address some of the most challenging issues in our region through effective philanthropy.”
O’Quinn was born and raised in Spokane, and has two boys, ages 17 and 11. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking with her boys, and reading. She graduated from Whitworth University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business administration. She completed her MBA at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey in California.
About INWCF
Inland Northwest Community Foundation promotes vibrant communities throughout the region by connecting people who care with causes that matter. The Foundation manages funds valued at more than $110 million and serves 20 counties throughout Eastern Washington and North Idaho. Since its inception in 1974, the Foundation has awarded $60 million in grants, positively impacting the lives of people in this region and beyond. It operates in compliance with the Council on Foundations’ national standards for community foundations. For more information, visit www.inwcf.org.