The recently formed Spokane Business Association has named Gavin Cooley, former longtime chief financial officer for the city of Spokane, as its new CEO.

In his new role, Cooley will be responsible for implementing and leading the organization’s initiatives, which aim to help improve public safety, cleanliness, and economic stability in the city of Spokane and to create a welcoming environment for visitors, residents, and investors while supporting local business, says Larry Stone, Spokane Business Association board chair.

“The Spokane Business Association will start with a strong and successful leader at its helm,” Stone says in a press release announcing the CEO appointment. “Gavin Cooley has an impressive track record of bringing people together and accomplishing great things for our city.”

Cooley served as chief financial officer for the city of Spokane for 17 years from 2003 to 2020 and was the city’s first CFO under its strong mayor form of government. During his tenure, he oversaw the Finance Division, including the financial management and budget, citywide integrated accounting, the treasurer’s office, performance and business analytics, and information technology.

Since then, he has been involved with the Spokane Regional Collaborative, a group that advocates a multijurisdictional authority for providing homeless services and reducing the number of unhoused families and individuals in the Spokane area.

Prior to his position with the city, Cooley served as treasurer, chief financial officer, and board member of North Coast Life Insurance.

The new business association was officially established and became active on July 2. In addition to Stone, who is president of Stone Group of Companies, the SBA's board of directors consists of Chris Batten, founding principal and designated broker at RenCorpRealty LLC; Danny Beard, retired senior vice president of NBC Camps; Jack Heath, CEO of Washington Trust Bank; Susan Horton, president and CEO of Wheatland Bank; and Tom Simpson, CEO of Ignite Northwest.

Greg Birchell, a spokesperson for the group, says Cooley will be involved in selecting an office location for the association from a shortlist of sites identified by the board.