Education: Bachelor's degree in accounting and business management with a political science minor, Whitworth University; MBA, Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey.

Who has been a significant influence in your life and career? The late Rich Hadley, retired CEO of Greater Spokane Incorporated. Rich was always an early believer in people and ideas. His investment in me, both as a person and in my career, helped me understand the power of an apology, that leadership is a team sport, and that all things worth doing take time!

Do you have a favorite quote? "It always seems impossible until it's done."—Nelson Mandela

What drives/inspires you? An ingrained desire to make our world a better place, and doing that work with talented and passionate people.

If you had one wish for Spokane, what would it be? My wish is that neighbors would get to know their neighbors, that we would get curious about our differences and ultimately realize that we are better together.

CEO of Spokane-based nonprofit Innovia Foundation, Shelly O'Quinn accepted the position after a four-year stint as Spokane County Commissioner from 2013 to 2017. 

Due in part to O'Quinn's visibility efforts, Innovia Foundation a go-to resource for philanthropic efforts in the Inland Northwest region. It currently oversees local grants and scholarships for 20 counties and six American Tribes in Eastern Washington and northern Idaho.

As of last fall, Innovia collected $70 million for LaunchNW, a 20-county mentor and scholarship program set to reach 102 school districts serving 147,400 K-12 students with resources to provide greater access to college and career education.  

O'Quinn is on the Whitworth University board of trustees and the Hutton Settlement board of directors. She also is on the board of CFLeads, a national network of community foundations.