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| 29 Sep 2026 | |
| Written by Blake Myer | |
| Alliance News |
After a career as executive in the corporate arena, Diane entered the entrepreneurial startup world where she founded a software company and took it public on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
Since moving to Washington State in 2004 from Cincinnati, she has focused solely on helping establish the resources required to support a strong entrepreneurial segment of our economy. In addition to working directly with entrepreneurs, she was instrumental in founding the Northwest Agriculture Business Center which assists value-add growers and producers in building a profitable business model.
In 2010 she helped found the NW Innovation Resource Center (NWIRC) which assists early stage innovative entrepreneurs in northwest Washington. In early 2019, they established the first of a network of innovation centers, IRC Lab-Everett, followed by opening the IRC Lab-SWIFT center in Sedro Woolley late in 2025. These centers provide resources to support the integration of digital technologies in the major industry sectors of northwest Washington – CleanTech, Aerospace, Maritime and Agriculture. They are also supporting innovations in Fusion and Sustainable Aviation Fuel to expand the opportunities for the northwest in those evolving industries.
Tell us about your current role and organization.
I am currently the Executive Director of the NW Innovation Resource Center or NWIRC. Our service area consists of the Counties of Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, Island and San Juan. Our mission is to support economic growth and viability of the region through support of entrepreneurs. The focus is on innovations utilizing new technology in support of the priority industries in our area. These are primarily cleantech, aerospace, agriculture and maritime.
What accomplishment are you most proud of related to clean technology or innovation?
Over the past years we have conducted several BlueTech/CleanTech Cohorts for entrepreneurs seeking assistance with their CleanTech ideas. Many of the participants have made great progress resulting in cleaner air, efficient water usage, and energy usage. Helping others succeed is extremely rewarding.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the clean technology sector?
Moving to the northwest provided the opportunity to gain a more complete understanding of the importance that everyone has a role to play in maintaining the environment that affords us the quality of life we enjoy. Playing a small part in building the sector is certainly a worthy use of our time.
What do you see as the biggest opportunity for the clean energy economy in the Pacific Northwest?
Two of the biggest resources we have and take for granted are water and energy. Innovations in both of these areas are critical for our future.
Is there anything else you'd like the CleanTech Alliance community to know about your work or impact?
Our organization is privileged to partner with organizations and individuals who collaborate to build an economic and climate that we believe will improve our area and future. Working everyday with smart and passionate individuals is motivation in itself.
Join us in celebrating Diane and the other finalists at the CleanTech Awards on December 10th in Downtown Seattle
