FEB NIBJ: On the Move

Schulz new Numerica VP of business solutions and execution

SPOKANE VALLEY — Numerica Credit Union welcomed Jen Schulz as its new vice president of business solutions and execution. With more than 25 years in the financial industry, Schulz will strengthen the connection between people, processes and technology. 

Schulz will partner closely with Numerica’s chief technology officer to build cross-department collaboration and guide projects improving the ease, accessibility and impact of member banking. Her leadership will help ensure technology and operations work hand in hand to advance Numerica’s mission of enhancing lives, fulfilling dreams, and building communities.  

 “Jen is a dynamic and strategic leader who understands that innovation starts with people,” said KayCee Murray, Numerica’s chief technology officer. “Her passion for empowering teams and improving member experiences aligns perfectly with Numerica’s values. Jen’s expertise will help us continue growing in ways that strengthen our members and communities.” 

Before joining Numerica, Schulz was senior vice president and director of strategic initiatives at Umpqua Bank, where she led digital transformation and service-focused initiatives. Schulz also led system modernization efforts, enhanced team and customer experiences, and fostered cross-department collaboration.  

She has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Portland State University, graduated from the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington and is a certified change practitioner. 

Spokane Valley-based Numerica serves the financial needs of members from Central Washington to North Idaho, investing earnings toward enhancing lives, fulfilling dreams, and building communities. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, or worships in Washington or North Idaho. Numerica is federally insured by NCUA and an Equal Housing Opportunity lender. 

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Furukawa named Chief Strategy and Growth Officer

COEUR D’ALENE — Kootenai Health has promoted Collin Furukawa to Chief Strategy and Growth Officer. Furukawa previously served as Executive Vice President of Strategy and Business Development.

Furukawa joined Kootenai Health in 2013 and has held roles of increasing responsibility since that time. He was promoted to the executive team in 2023. In his new role, he will report directly to Jamie Smith, CEO.

“Collin has repeatedly shown the value he brings to Kootenai Health,” Smith said. “His work mapping Kootenai Health’s strategic direction has helped us form key alliances and partnerships, stabilize our financial position, and grow clinical programs that benefit our patients and community.”

Before joining Kootenai Health, Furukawa worked at the University of Washington Medicine System in Seattle. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in health administration from the University of Washington. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Kootenai Health is a not-for-profit, community-based health care organization with hospital locations in Coeur d’Alene, Orofino, and Cottonwood, more than 20 outpatient primary care and specialty practices, and more than 4,500 staff members. Kootenai Health holds numerous designations for advanced medicine, including Magnet for nursing excellence, Level II Trauma, and Level III NICU. To learn more, visit KH.org or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

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McQuade hired for U of I governmental relations position

MOSCOW, Idaho — Vandal alumnus Robert McQuade Jr. begins the 2026 legislative session as the special assistant to the president for governmental relations at University of Idaho.   

A 2008 U of I graduate with a bachelor’s in history, McQuade served most recently as the chief deputy in the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office where he drafted legislation and rules to the Legislature, provided guidance to counties and local taxing districts and advised the secretary and executive team daily. 

“Rob’s experience in state government and prior relationships will benefit U of I and will be an invaluable resource and support for our state legislators regarding their investments in our students and programs,” U of I President Scott Green said.  

McQuade, who holds a law degree from University of Baltimore, served as general counsel for the Association of Idaho Cities, as well as counsel for the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses and the City of Boise.  

McQuade follows Caroline Nilsson-Troy who retired at the end of 2025.  

University of Idaho, home of the Vandals, is Idaho’s land-grant university and the state’s first Carnegie R1 research institution. From its residential campus in Moscow, U of I serves the state through centers in Boise, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Falls and McCall, nine research and Extension centers, and Extension offices in 42 counties. With more than 12,000 students, U of I is a leader in student-centered experiential learning, interdisciplinary research, business and community service and global outreach.

    Collin Furukawa

  

    Robert McQuade