STAFF
Meet Our Team
Here at Innovia Foundation, our team is committed to going above and beyond to improve lives and communities in the Inland Northwest and beyond. We continually look ahead, finding new ways to be of service and leading the way to innovative solutions. Because we know this work can’t wait.
Shelly O'Quinn
A local leader in government and community development, Shelly joined Innovia Foundation as CEO in 2017. As a former Spokane County Commissioner, Shelly earned a reputation as a team builder and agent of change, representing Spokane County interests on 20 regional and statewide boards and commissions. In her role as Innovia’s CEO, she has energized the board, staff, volunteers and community partners to work together to make our part of the world better and to find innovative solutions to our region’s biggest issues.
Prior to serving in government, Shelly was the Director of Education and Workforce Development for Greater Spokane Incorporated. Her experience in the nonprofit sector includes work for the George Nethercutt Foundation and Habitat for Humanity. She has come full circle with Innovia Foundation, having served as a senior program officer here from 2007 to 2008.
Shelly is a Whitworth University graduate 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.
A Spokane native, Shelly enjoys the wide array of year-round activities the Inland Northwest has to offer. Most importantly, she enjoys quality time with her sons, Ryland and Iain.
Gallup CliftonStrengths: Responsibility, Strategic, Belief, Relator, Arranger
Chief Executive Officer
Lauren Autrey
Originally from Southern Oregon, Lauren graduated from George Fox University in 1998 and moved to Spokane in 2001. She loves the quality of life that the Inland Northwest has to offer.
Lauren’s career began in the accounting department of a Fortune 500 company and then transitioned to 17 years in public accounting where she kept her pencil sharp. It was the opportunity to use her accounting experience and core strengths to help drive community transformation in the Inland Northwest that led her to Innovia Foundation.
When Lauren is not sharpening her pencil, she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, especially at DisneyWorld.
Gallup CliftonStrengths: Harmony, Deliberative, Discipline, Consistency, Analytical
Chief Financial & Operating Officer
Aaron McMurray
A longtime resident of the Inland Northwest, Aaron’s passion for philanthropy and leadership goes back to his first job out of college. While leading a non-profit organization, a generous donor made a gift that transformed the group’s work and revealed a simple but powerful truth — generosity has the capability to transform communities.
Having served in leadership, fundraising and consulting roles with organizations such as Young Life, Whitworth University, Ruffalo Noel Levitz and Warner Pacific University, Aaron brings expertise and passion around innovation in fundraising and philanthropy, and strategic leadership in nonprofits and higher education.
He has taught leadership courses at Gonzaga and Whitworth Universities, at both the graduate and undergraduate level. He holds a Ph.D. in leadership studies and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Gonzaga University, and an undergraduate degree in history from Whitworth University.
Aaron and his wife Darcy have four children and live in Colbert, Wash.
Gallup CliftonStrengths: Input, Arranger, Responsibility, Intellection, Positivity
Chief Strategy Officer
Molly Sanchez
“What is needed and how can we help?” That’s the question on Molly’s mind as she engages with people who live and work in communities throughout the Inland Northwest. By listening and learning from those who know their local needs best, Molly helps Innovia Foundation connect donor generosity to this region’s most pressing causes.
Born and raised in Spokane, Molly has deep roots in the Inland Northwest. This inspires her commitment to facilitate strategic collaborations among funders, nonprofit organizations, community residents and other stakeholders to have a transformative effect in our region. Through effective leadership, she helps communities put aside individual agendas, collectively accomplishing what none could do alone.
Molly’s desire to learn about people and understand their stories led her to a degree in Journalism from Eastern Washington University, followed by careers in print and broadcast journalism, public relations and nonprofit development.
Gallup CliftonStrengths: Context, Intellection, Deliberative, Learner, Responsibility
Chief Community Investment Officer
Ben Small
Executive Director of LaunchNW
Matt Bumpus
A longtime Eastern Washington resident, Matt brings a wealth of experience in working collaboratively to identify evidence-based solutions and apply them to large-scale issues that impact wellbeing. Prior to joining the Innovia team, Matt spent 19 years as a faculty member and leader in the Department of Human Development at Washington State University (WSU). He also served on the graduate faculty of WSU’s interdisciplinary Prevention Science doctoral program. At WSU, his most recent research efforts focused on the development and evaluation of programs to support students and their families across the transition to post-secondary education.
Matt holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Elementary Education from Whitworth University and a Ph.D. from Penn State University in Human Development and Family Studies. Away from work, he enjoys spending time with his wife Amy, exploring all that the Inland Northwest has to offer.
Gallup CliftonStrengths: Strategic, Learner, Restorative, Analytical, Achiever
Director of Research and Community Impact
Dig Chrismer
Born and raised in Maryland, Dig completed a B.A. in Rhetorical Studies from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI and spent time living abroad in England and France. An avid outdoor enthusiast, she’s spent the last 10 years in Sandpoint as Schweitzer’s marketing manager. She’s the proud mother of four children and is actively involved with several non-profits in her community. Her passions include all things outdoors, reading multiple books at the same time, and adventures with her family.
Gallup CliftonStrengths: Positivity, Woo, Arranger, Input, Learner
Rural Engagement Manager - North Region
Connie Emry
A full-time employee of the Foundation in the mid-’80s and early ’90s, Connie is now our “Girl Friday.” Connie comes to the Innovia office every Friday ready to assist in a variety of ways.
As Connie says, “I enjoy my Fridays and will do whatever needs to be done. I marvel at all the good that has been accomplished through this community foundation. I enjoy working with the current staff, as well as with the dedicated people who have served in many capacities over the years.”
Connie is a Gonzaga University graduate and attended Gonzaga-In-Florence the first year this program was an option as a “junior year abroad” experience. After graduate school, a year at George Washington University, she was a teacher for a few years. She had four children in three years (twins in the middle) and has seven wonderful grandchildren, some of whom reside in Coeur d’Alene, others in Maryland. Connie is deeply connected to several causes that are near and dear to her heart. At least one day a week she assists at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture Foundation. She has been a Hospice of Spokane volunteer for 25 years and a Spokane Preservation Advocates member and volunteer for many years.
Administrative Assistant
Scott Ferguson
Scott is a passionate leader who thrives mobilizing others to engage their communities to make positive tangible change. He has spent the past 15 years as a leader in both higher education and as a community advocate building bridges between community leaders to cultivate initiatives that support making vibrant communities. Throughout his career, the for-profit and nonprofit organizations he had developed in the Pacific Northwest resulted in receiving the 2020 Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement Recognition.
Scott graduated with his undergraduate degree from Warner Pacific University and his master’s degree from Portland State University. He holds an Ed.D. from Concordia University Portland in Educational Leadership and Policy.
Additionally, Scott has been married to his beautiful wife for 13 years and has two wonderful children. He loves spending time with his family outdoors going kayaking, cycling, and has a strong passion for coffee and conversations.
Gallup CliftonStrengths: Positivity, Ideation, Futuristic, Strategic, Woo
Associate Director of Grants
Collette Jarvelin
During her time at Gonzaga University, Collette was inspired to dedicate her career in service for the common good. After graduating with a B.A. in Public Relations and several years working for a small nonprofit, Collette found a home at the Nature Conservancy. For the next seven years, she worked with colleagues from across the globe gaining valuable experience in nonprofit operations, developing strategies for donor stewardship and board management.
In July 2014, Collette joined Innovia Foundation as Gift Planning Specialist, working with donors to fulfill their charitable legacies and collaborating with nonprofits on organizational sustainability. She comes to work every morning excited to connect donors to the services and opportunities provided by the foundation that help address the needs of our community.
Outside of work, you will find Collette on the tennis court or enjoying the great outdoors with her husband and two dogs near their home in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
Gallup CliftonStrengths: Relator, Responsibility, Harmony, Discipline, Futuristic
Program Officer
Kathy Johnson
Born and raised in Kalispell, Montana, Kathy relocated to Spokane in 1990, along with her daughter Amanda and loves calling the Inland Northwest her forever home. Kathy started her journey with Innovia 11 years ago, following 12 years of planning and producing major events in Spokane, including home shows, trade shows and golf tournaments. Kathy attributes developing her skill set and attention to detail to the 12 years she worked in local government as a city clerk while living in Montana.
When asked about her current role, Kathy shared, “I am humbled and honored to serve Innovia’s brilliant Board, superb and talented staff and a diverse array of dedicated volunteers. Our work is transformational — we change lives! There really is no better place to be!” When away from work, Kathy finds joy in spending time with her daughter, Amanda, and granddawgie, Marci Lou, a three-year-old Chiweenie.
Gallup CliftonStrengths: Empathy, Achiever, Responsibility, Relator, Maximizer
Executive Assistant
Jeff Lenberger
Jeff was born and raised in Kentucky and graduated with a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Kentucky in 1999. He earned his MBA from Eastern Washington University in 2010. He was brought to the Spokane area in 2001 because of Fairchild Airforce Base where he worked as a S.E.R.E. Specialist for nine years, including time as an airman and a contractor working with the U.S. Air Force Survival School.
Prior to joining the Innovia team, Jeff spent 13.5 years in public accounting. His time in public accounting has included firms in both Atlanta, Georgia, Louisville, Kentucky, and the Spokane, Washington area. A large portion of his public accounting experience centered around audits of not-for-profit organizations, healthcare systems, and HUD-related properties. The move to Innovia Foundation allows him to leverage prior public accounting experience to positively impact community organizations and initiatives within Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho communities.
Jeff fell in love with the Spokane area and mountains of eastern Washington while stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base and was lucky enough to marry a Spokane native. Outside of work Jeff enjoys spending time with his family at the lake or cheering on his son at youth baseball and basketball games.
Gallup CliftonStrengths: Analytical, Responsibility, Developer, Consistency, Achiever
Controller
Jennifer Offereins
Born and raised in Spokane, Jennifer graduated from Shadle Park High School and started her remarkable journey, immersing herself in experience and exploration. Starting on the west coast, she earned her undergraduate degree from Seattle University which allowed her to lay the groundwork for upcoming success. Her passion for understanding human behavior and organizational dynamics led her to pursue her graduate degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from New York University. From coast to coast, she embraced diverse landscapes and cultures, lived abroad in southeastern France, enhancing her love for travel and exploration even deeper. She returned to Spokane with her husband in late 2007 to raise their family, enjoy the Inland Northwest lifestyle and immerse herself in the local community.
With a dedicated career spanning over a decade, Jennifer has left an undeniable mark on various industries within North America and Europe, specializing in organizational effectiveness and change management. For the past 7 years she has served as the driving force behind her own consulting practice, while simultaneously co-founding and leading a consulting group, dedicated to empowering startups and small businesses through strategic guidance and operational excellence. Jennifer’s commitment to her local community continues as the co-founder of a small, mission-driven business with a focus on building up, giving back and taking care of the communities in which we live and work.
In her free time, Jennifer adores spending time with her family. Guided by curiosity and adventure, they enjoy exploring scenic trails, spending time boating on the nearby lakes and rivers, and traveling to other countries to experience the local culture.
Gallup CliftonStrengths: Connectedness, Arranger, Positivity, Belief, Relator
Associate Director - LaunchNW
Billy Oteba
At the heart of Billy’s journey lies a profound and unyielding desire to bridge the gap, to unite disparate worlds, and to forge connections where they are needed most. Whether it be the chasm between disciplines, the divide between healthcare and philanthropy, or the spaces that separate us within our communities, his relentless commitment to closing these gaps has been a guiding force.
Billy is a product of diverse experiences and a fervent commitment to serving his community. Growing up in a military family, he learned the values of discipline, adaptability, and a profound sense of duty from a young age. His academic journey led him to obtain his undergraduate degree from Central Washington University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in biology with a specialization in molecular biology and a minor in Computer Science.
Billy embarked on his career trajectory as a pharmacy student at Washington State University, but his intrinsic desire to make a more direct and meaningful impact on his community led him to transition into philanthropy, where he now serves as a program associate.
Billy’s diverse experiences as a program coordinator, help desk professional, and pharmacy intern following his undergraduate studies have armed him with invaluable skills in problem-solving, data analysis, and interpretation. His commitment to community service runs deep, ingrained in his core values. Billy is deeply dedicated to bridging the gap, merging his passions to effect positive change.
In his free time, Billy is a passionate explorer and avid photographer. His journey is characterized by collaboration, data-driven insights, and a perpetual quest for knowledge, all aimed at building a brighter future for our community.
Gallup CliftonStrengths: Analytical, Developer, Strategic, Empathy, Learner
Program Associate
Rachel Quick
Gallup CliftonStrengths: Restorative, Achiever, Input, Connectedness, Learner
Program Officer - Marketing & Communications
Kristi Rietze
As a fifth-generation Coeur d’Alene local, Kristi’s family legacy spans back to when steamboats ran on Lake Coeur d’Alene, her great great grandfather at the helm. Deep roots and strong ties to community have inspired a career of service and passion for ensuring kids and families have access to resources to help them lead healthy, productive lives.
Having served in leadership and fundraising roles with organizations in the youth substance abuse, outdoor ministry, health, and education realms, Kristi brings philanthropic and organizational development expertise to donors and nonprofits in Kootenai, Shoshone, Benewah and Latah Counties.
After two years studying child development at the University of Idaho and a move to Portland, OR, Kristi earned a degree in Child & Family Studies from Portland State University. In 2001 Kristi and husband Aaron moved home to Coeur d’Alene to raise their family.
Big sports fans, Kristi and Aaron spend most of their free time on a cross country course or soccer sidelines cheering for their four children who range in age from elementary school to college. When not on the road chasing athletes, you can find Kristi watching college basketball, hiking Tubbs Hill, playing in the river, snowboarding at Schweitzer, or cooking a big meal to feed anyone who will gather to enjoy it!
Gallup CliftonStrengths: Arranger, Responsibility, Belief, Individualization, Adaptability
Regional Engagement Manager - North Idaho
Yvonne Esquibel Smith
Yvonne comes to Innovia with a strong background in fundraising, strategic planning, marketing and business development, having worked across multiple industries, including nonprofit, high tech, manufacturing and hospitality. With a vast history of commitment to the community, including service on more than a dozen boards locally and internationally, Yvonne currently serves on the Board of Directors for Numerica Credit Union and the YWCA. She is the current chair for the YWCA Women of Achievement annual event and leads Spokane’s Women’s History Month working in partnership with local universities, colleges, organizations and businesses to shine a light on the accomplishments of women. A highlight of her volunteer experience was being honored with the 2018 Leadership Spokane Lifetime Achievement Award.
Yvonne is a graduate of Eastern Washington University with a Bachelor of Arts in French and extensive study in Spanish, international business and marketing.
In addition to her passion for community service, Yvonne loves spending time with her daughter Bella and her large extended family. She is an avid golfer, loves pickleball and travels extensively whenever possible.
Gallup CliftonStrengths: Strategic, Futuristic, Activator, Maximizer, Connectedness
Director of Development
Jaiden Wagner
Jaiden grew up locally in the Nine Mile Falls area. Her time at two Jesuit institutions, Gonzaga Prep and Gonzaga University, instilled within her the value of being a person for others. She graduated from Gonzaga in 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, hoping to secure a career that would allow her to make a positive impact on others’ lives. However, she also developed a strong interest in marketing while completing her business and promotion minors.
Jaiden felt that joining Innovia’s marketing and communications team offered the perfect opportunity to combine her passion for being a person for others with her ultimate desire to work in the business field. Engaging with counties across the Inland Northwest region at Innovia, she welcomes the fulfilling experience of giving back to the community she was raised in while returning to Gonzaga for her MBA.
Outside of work, Jaiden spends her free time with friends and family. She enjoys baking, being outdoors and at the lake, and cheering on the Zags and Seahawks.
Gallup CliftonStrengths: Developer, Empathy, Achiever, Positivity, Responsibility
Program Associate - Marketing & Communications
Seth Schmidt
Raised in the Tri-Cities, Seth grew up enjoying the beauty across the state of Washington, but Spokane always had a special place in his heart. He has always seen Spokane as a “big city,” perfect for countless basketball tournaments, exploration of the mountains and home of the Zags.
Starting at Washington State University in 2020 and graduating from Gonzaga University in 2023 with a B.A. in Finance, Seth dreams of using his degree to create a positive change for individuals and the surrounding communities through his financial knowledge.
Outside of work, Seth is likely taking in the beauty of Washington with his cat by his side, enjoying his passion for sports, or spending time with friends and family.
Gallup CliftonStrengths: Analytical, Relator, Developer, Belief, Adaptability
Program Associate - Finance
Briget Duncan
Briget Duncan brings her passion for education and community building to the Inland Northwest from Louisiana, where she has experience as a teacher, coach and sales professional. Her dedication to education and community development led her to join LaunchNW as the Program Manager for FAFSA, an initiative of Innovia Foundation, and Washington Alliance for Better Schools (WABS) as a program facilitator for after-school STEM programs in the Spokane area. Together, these organizations are committed to equity and access in education with a mission to ensure that students furthest from opportunity receive the support they need to pursue futures that reflect their strengths, passions and dreams.
FAFSA Program Manager
Iona Cairncross
Iona comes to us originally from the United Kingdom but has lived as a global nomad since age 8 when her family moved to become overseas missionaries. She is the Mentor and Volunteer Program Manager for LaunchNW, bringing three years of experience training and managing student leaders in Whitworth’s residence life program, experience serving as a mentor specifically for youth experiencing large life transitions and experience building robust training curriculums. Having worked alongside students and young people for several years she has seen firsthand the impact that a personal mentoring connection can have on a person’s trajectory. The impact is exponential! She is here to get our city excited about joining us in building a community where every child finds belonging and travels their best journey from birth to career attainment. All it takes is one!
Iona holds an undergraduate degree in business management and leadership, and an MBA from Whitworth. Outside of work Iona is an an avid reader. She loves diving into a new world and learning about the differences between people by living in a character’s brain. She also loves to play with and pamper her nine-year-old dog Francesca.
Gallup CliftonStrengths: Belief, Ideation, Connectedness, Individualization, Relator
Mentor & Volunteer Program Manager
Lili Cathersal
Lili is a rising senior at Gonzaga University and will graduate with honors with a B.A. in Public Relations. Most of her childhood was spent living abroad in Vienna, Austria where she learned British curriculum and spelled color and favorite with ‘u’s in the middle. From there, her family migrated to New York before finally moving to Seattle, where she received her high school education.
Her experiences of travel informed her love of communications and relationship building, leading her to study Public Relation when she was a freshman at Gonzaga. Since then, her love of PR has only grown, and she often looks for experiences to expand her writing, speech and communication skills.
As the Marketing Fellow at Innovia, Lili is building up her skills in the field before she graduates, laying the groundwork for future growth and success.
Guided by her love of travel, she spent her sophomore year studying abroad in Florence, practicing her elementary Italian. In her free time, Lili loves to read, go on bike rides and hikes with her five roommates, and cheer on Gonzaga’s basketball team.
Gallup CliftonStrengths: Developer, Positivity, Achiever, Learner, Harmony