Industry leaders from across the Inland Northwest gathered in downtown Spokane last month to mark the launch of Novara Energy Alliance, a new non-profit focused on advancing practical solutions to the region’s most pressing energy and related water challenges.
The organization brings together utilities, energy companies, community leaders, researchers, and policymakers to turn bold ideas into real-world solutions, with the ultimate goal of building resilient, affordable energy systems that help the Inland Northwest thrive.
During the launch event on May 20, 2026, Latisha Hill, Novara Board Chair and chief customer officer and vice president of community affairs at Avista, kicked off the celebration, reflecting on the legacy of innovation that led to Novara. Formed through the merger of Urbanova and INTENT, Novara is focused on strengthening the regional energy ecosystem, by acting as connective tissue and fostering cross organizational collaboration to solve the most pressing issues, together
Latisha recognized past boards and leadership for their role in advancing this work and setting the stage for what comes next. She also introduced the Novara Board of Directors, which includes herself, Dale Silha from McKinstry who serves as Vice Chair of the board, Dan Wadkins from Foster Garvey, PC, Secretary of the Board, Andy Johnston from Johnston Engineering, Treasurer of the board, Marina Donovan from Itron, Rich Christensen, formerly from Itron (retired), John Gibson, formerly from Avista (retired) and Paul Davis from Lukins & Annis.
A Shared Purpose and Defined Role
Kim Perman-Gillman, Novara interim CEO, took the stage and emphasized the organization’s role as a problem solver, bridge builder and catalyst, a framework that reflects both the complexity of the energy transition and the need for coordinated action across sectors.
That theme carried throughout the event. Participation spanned a broad cross-section of organizations from around the Inland Northwest, including utilities, energy-focused businesses and community organizations, alongside local and state leaders, including City of Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown, Spokane County Commissioner Amber Waldref and regional legislators.
Building an Alliance, Literally
The idea of “alliance” was brought to life throughout the event. It created space for connection, conversation and the early stages of collaboration, reinforcing Novara’s commitment to connecting organizations and leaders across the Inland Northwest energy sector.
This was reflected in a key moment during the program, when Hotstart joined as the organization’s newest member. CEO Terry Judge took the stage to share why the company chose to be part of Novara’s mission and to present a membership dues check, highlighting the importance of aligning around shared challenges and contributing to collective progress.
The Journey for Novara Continues
As Novara Energy Alliance moves forward, its focus remains on turning collaboration into measurable impact, connecting members with the people, projects and platforms needed to move from ideas to execution at scale. With founding Strategic partners, including Avista, Itron and McKinstry, and a growing network of members and allies, the alliance is well positioned to help shape the region’s energy future.
If you only have one takeaway from our launch event, let it be this: the path forward won’t be defined by any single organization, but by stronger collaboration across the Inland Northwest energy sector, which is exactly what Novara was designed to support. True to its name, Novara points to new horizons—and the work to reach them is already underway.
Stay tuned for more information about Novara Energy Alliance’s 2026 Summit, which will convene Oct. 7 to identify and advance collection action toward defining and solving the region’s energy and related water challenges.
