Leadership
Building a community dedicated to your success
LEADERSHIP SELECTION IS UNDERWAY
CEO
Gavin Cooley
Gavin Cooley served as Chief Financial Officer for the City of Spokane for 17 years and was the City’s first CFO under its Strong Mayor form of government. During his tenure, he oversaw the City Finance Division including the Office of Financial Management & Budget (Contract Management, Tax & License, and Internal & External Audit), Citywide Integrated Accounting, Treasurer’s Office, Office of Performance & Business Analytics, and Information Technology. Prior to his position with the City, he served as Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer, and board member of North Coast Life Insurance where he oversaw comprehensive financial authority over company-wide operations.
As Chief Executive of SBA, Mr. Cooley will be responsible for implementing and leading the organization’s Initiatives. These Initiatives are created to improve public safety, cleanliness, and economic stability in the City of Spokane to create a welcoming environment for visitors, residents, and investors while supporting local business.
Board of Directors
Chris Batten
RenCorpRealty
Principal and Designated Broker
Chris Batten’s primary focus has been on adaptive reuse and renovation of historic properties in and around downtown Spokane. To date, RenCorpRealty has been involved in more than 20 historic properties being listed on the Spokane Historic Register.
Danny Beard
UGM
Strategic Partnerships
Beard retired in 2017 as the Senior Vice President of NBC Camps, the world’s largest residential basketball camp, where he worked for 40 years mentoring young people. He now serves part-time for the Union Gospel Mission, a homeless shelter in Spokane.
Jack Heath, III
Washington Trust Bank
CEO
Jack Heath is Chief Executive Officer of Washington Trust Bank. He is also a member of the Washington Trust Bank and W.T.B. Financial Corporation Boards of Directors. Jack most recently served as President and Chief Operating Officer.
Sue Horton
Wheatland Bank
CEO
Susan M. Horton is the President and CEO of Wheatland Bank, headquartered in Downtown Spokane. Ms. Horton serves on the national FDIC Community Banking Advisory Committee and the Board of Directors of the Washington Bankers Association.
Tom Simpson
Ignite Northwest
CEO
Tom Simpson has over 35 years of experience as an investment banker, venture capitalist, angel investor and entrepreneur. He is CEO of Ignite Northwest which focuses on funding, accelerating and mentoring explosively growing companies in the Spokane region.
Larry Stone
Stone Group of Companies
President
Larry Stone has founded several manufacturing and real estate development companies, including SCAFCO Steel Stud Manufacturing Company, L.B. Stone Properties Group, and CWallA Building Materials. Stone also acquired manufacturer Steel Construction Systems in 2016.
Board of Regents
Board of Regents will act as an advisory to the Board of Directors and will meet semi-annually. The Board of Directors will approve the Board of Regents on a continual basis as recommended by the CEO.
Development Manager
Troy Nealey
Phone: 509.352.8881 | Email: Troy@SpokaneBusinessAssociation.com
With an extensive background in development, Troy Nealey has been the director of annual funds and campaigns for multiple organizations throughout the Inland Northwest. His experience includes leadership/major gifts, annual funds, and capital project development.
Troy is responsible for managing all memberships and fundraising activities for the SBA. He supports and collaborates with the CEO and Board of Directors to help build solid relationships with Spokane businesses, recruit new members, and advance the SBA’s mission.
Administrative Assistant
Lori Massey
Phone: 509.343.9014 | Email: Lori@SpokaneBusinessAssociation.com