Innovia Foundation announces leadership councils

SPOKANE — Innovia Foundation, the community foundation serving Eastern Washington and North Idaho, will convene more than 200 people from throughout the region for a Leadership Summit on the topic of building vibrant and sustainable communities on March 2 – 3 at Spokane’s Historic Davenport Hotel.

The sold-out conference features local and national speakers addressing education, economy, and the importance of closing the urban and rural divide to help people in our region thrive. Leadership Summit speakers include: Sam Radford, Say Yes to Education, Buffalo, New York; Doug Griffiths, author of “13 Ways to Kill Your Community,” and founder of 13 Ways, a company dedicated to helping communities grow and thrive; Mary Doyle, co-founder of Rural on Purpose, a social enterprise committed to strengthening communities through entrepreneurship; Sam Wolkenhauer, regional labor economist, Idaho Department of Labor; Amber Schulz-Oliver, Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Economic Development Corporation; and Steve VanAusdle, President Emeritus, Walla Walla Community College.

At the conference, the Foundation will announce appointees to 10 new Leadership Councils that will be vital in fulfilling Innovia’s mission to ignite generosity that transforms lives and communities.

“Innovia Foundation is committed to engaging thoughtfully with communities in our region,” said Innovia CEO Shelly O’Quinn. “With a 20-county region that spans two states and almost 40,000 square miles, we know we can’t do this work alone. We are grateful to our Leadership Council members who will serve as ambassadors and advisors, helping us and our donors better understand local needs, priorities and opportunities as we work together to build vibrant and sustainable communities.”

In Region 10, which encompasses Bonner and Boundary counties, Leadership Council appointees are Craig Anderson, Chris Bessler, Amy Encinas Yount, Philip Hough, Carol Julian, Kimberly Manning, Andrea Marcoccio, Julie Meyer, Becca Orchard, Kelly Prior, Jennifer Stapleton, Dennis Weed, and Jim Zuberbuhler.

In Region 1, which encompasses Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille counties in Washington state, Leadership Council appointees are Angela Crawford, Gabriel Cruden, Aaron Edwards, Debra Hansen, Pete Lewis, Mike Lithgow, John May, Mary Rourke, Mary Selecky, and Denise Stewart.

The Leadership Summit presenting sponsor is Numerica Credit Union. Additional sponsors include Avista, Kiemle Hagood, University of Washington, and Baker Construction.

Information: innovia.org/leadershipsummit