Spokane River Forum Announces New Executive Director

The Spokane River Forum is delighted to announce Happy Avery as its new Executive Director!

Dan Maguire, President of the Forum Board, remarked “Happy’s passion for the watershed, commitment to service, people skills, and knowledge make her a great fit. We’re excited to have her lead the organization.”

Since 2017 Happy has been at Saint George’s School. Most recently she served as their Director of College Counseling and teacher of humanities. Her rich background includes teaching Environmental Studies as an adjunct professor at Gonzaga University, conducting historical research at the University of Montana, being a graduate student fellow focusing on US Environmental History and American Indigenous studies, and editing an array of publications. 

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to serve the Greater Spokane area in this new role” said Happy. “Andy leaves enormous shoes to fill but I am excited for the challenge and look forward to working hard to carry the Forum’s mission forward.”

Andy Dunau, the Forum’s Executive Director since its founding in 2008, let the board and others know in 2023 he would be retiring. He will be helping for the remainder of the year with program planning and other transition needs.

“The Forum’s services and programs are in really good shape,” said Andy. “Happy will provide the leadership to keep them moving forward, not to mention conjuring-up exciting new ideas and adventures with the board and vast array of friends of the Forum. Really, this couldn’t have worked out better.”

“Priority one,” said Happy, “is quickly meeting and learning from as many people as I can. So I hope people aren’t shy about finding me if I haven’t found them yet.”

Happy can be contacted at happy.avery@spokaneriver.net