May 2017 Current by The Current

The Current

MAY 2017 • 15

O’Quinn resigns as county commissioner to lead local foundation

of the county. O’Quinn said early on in her tenure that she was “here to represent all residents of Spokane County, regardless of where they live.” As she transitions out, she talks about gaining an increased appreciation for the uphill battle towns and cities can face, from building sidewalks to restoring roads to juggling budget uncertainties.

By Craig Howard

“It’s been an honor to serve the people of this county,” she said.

Current Editor If there is an occupation that promotes the chance to make a difference, chances are Shelly O’Quinn will find it. On April 12, O’Quinn announced she would be stepping down as one of three representatives on the Spokane County Board of Commissioners to become CEO of the Inland Northwest Community Foundation (INWCF). She began her role as a commissioner representing District 2 after winning in the November 2012 general election. O’Quinn worked for INWCF in 2007 and 2008 as a senior program manager. She says there are parallels between her county work and her new role at the foundation which manages endowment funds for nonprofits and charitable causes in Eastern Washington and North Idaho. “There are a lot of the same themes from mental health to homelessness to economic development,” she said. “I’ll be aligning with many of the same issues local governments work on, just in a different way.” O’Quinn, a Republican, earned 62 percent of the vote last November to defeat Democratic challenger Andrew Biviano. She collected 55 percent of ballots in 2012 against Daryl Romeyn to earn her first fouryear term. She also campaigned for state legislative representative in 2010 but lost. O’Quinn will serve as commissioner until June. The Spokane County Republican Party will nominate three candidates as potential replacements and have 60 days from O’Quinn’s departure to select a new delegate for District 2. Spokane County Auditor Vicky Dalton said O’Quinn has made an impact in the time she has served, particularly in terms of creating efficiencies at the county level. “Shelly has led the charge in our efforts to implement the lean method of management throughout Spokane County government,”

Shelly O’Quinn Dalton said. “The lean method has improved and streamlined processes throughout the county and has had a profound positive impact on Spokane County’s organizational culture. Departments throughout the county have broken down significant communication silos and have benefited greatly by Shelly’s encouragement to work together. She has had many accomplishments in the five years she served as commissioner but this will be one of her lasting legacies.” O’Quinn is a graduate of Central Valley High School and Whitworth University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business administration in 1997. After college, she moved to Honduras where she worked to promote a micro-enterprise program. When a severe hurricane devastated the country in 1998, she turned her attention to restoration efforts.

Liberty Lake Mayor Steve Peterson said O’Quinn “brought a great deal of collaboration to her job as commissioner.”

said. “It is about finding solutions and championing innovative ideas on making county government even more efficient and effective. What the commissioners do for the airports, the health district and air quality is on behalf of all of us. It is important to keep the lines of communication both ways open and productive.” O’Quinn she has received positive feedback since making the announcement. “Everyone has been supportive,” she said “They understand it’s a great opportunity.”

“Personally, Shelly, (Central Valley School Superintendent) Ben Small and I would have a monthly meeting to address community issues and how we could work together all of best interests,” Peterson said. “I will miss her at the county but I believe the community will truly benefit from her abilities and leadership in her new job.” Peterson expressed hope that O’Quinn’s successor will continue the trend of “someone who works well with others.” “The commissioner’s job is more than representing the district,” he

Dr. Susan Ashley, M.D. Board Certified Family Physician

O’Quinn has also worked for a homeless outreach ministry in Florida. In 2004, she returned to Spokane where her career path continued with stops at nonprofits like SNAP and Habitat for Humanity. She also spent time with the George Nethercutt Foundation and as director of education and workforce development for Greater Spokane Inc. O’Quinn and her husband Sean are parents to two sons. O’Quinn said her experience in the nonprofit world will be an advantage as she leads INWCF. “I have an understanding of the challenges nonprofits face,” she said. “It’s not easy to be a nonprofit. They are dealing with cuts on the government side but, at the same time, they’re expected to do more.” As District 2 commissioner, O’Quinn represented an area that includes Liberty Lake, the city of Spokane Valley, Millwood, southeast Spokane County, part of the city of Spokane east of Perry and certain unincorporated sections

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