FINANCIAL INFORMATION
WHO WE ARE
Lerria Schuh, Executive Director
Lerria Schuh has called the Inland Northwest home for over 29 years. A graduate of Gonzaga University, Lerria spent over two decades with WestCoast Entertainment presenting the Best of Broadway series in Spokane before opening her own marketing/public relations company. She provided a wide range of marketing services, with a specialty in the entertainment industry throughout the US and Canada.
Lerria joined the Smith-Barbieri Progressive fund as Community Advocate in 2019. She quickly grew into advocacy for the most vulnerable in our community and working with local non-profits to help them thrive.
Lerria served as a “big sister” for Big Brothers and Sisters of the Inland Northwest for ten years, and later served as a Board Member for three years. During her time as a volunteer, Lerria received recognition as “Volunteer of the Year, Positive Promotions” in 2005. She and her husband, Tony, received the “Couples Match of the Year”, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Inland Northwest, 2003.
With a strong belief in supporting youth in her community, Lerria has served as a volunteer for the “Arts & Healing” program at Sacred Heart Medical Center, working with children in the pediatric oncology unit. In addition, Lerria served as a Board Member for the Providence Children’s Health Council from 2018 – 2022.
Sharon Smith, Trustee
For 25 years, Sharon led national operations and marketing efforts for hotel brands. While living in Arizona, California and Washington state, she was involved in a variety of community efforts focusing primarily on poverty and homelessness. In 2003, Sharon left her career to volunteer with her partner on his campaign for U.S. Congress providing solid political, local, state and federal knowledge.
Sharon served as Chairwoman of the Spokane County Democrats in 2005/6 leading to election victories unparalleled in Eastern Washington in decades and as Vice Chair of the Washington State Democratic Party in 2009/10.
Sharon founded the Inland Northwest Leadership PAC and has served on statewide boards including Planned Parenthood Votes and Fuse Washington. She resides in Hawaii with her spouse, Don Barbieri. Together they founded and continue to oversee the Smith-Barbieri Progressive Fund, a 501(c)3 charitable foundation that focuses on building human potential, fostering nonprofit creativity and ingenuity, helping marginalized people build their power and other quality of life issues in the Inland Northwest.
Don Barbieri, Trustee
For over 40 years, Don Barbieri has led development, business and philanthropic endeavors throughout the Pacific Northwest. In Spokane, Washington, Don led the redevelopment of over one mile of the Spokane River including the historic Broadview Dairy, Red Lion Hotel at the Park, Red Lion River Inn and the upscale Riverpoint and Upper Falls condominium developments. In regional work, Don developed over four miles of Priest Lake, Idaho, through a state-of-the-art planned unit development called Huckleberry at Priest Lake resulting in 90% dedicated open space and forest/wildlife restoration and conservation.
Don served as President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Red Lion Hotels Corporation (previously WestCoast Hotels, Cavanaugh’s Hospitality Corporation) leading dramatic growth and success of its hotel, entertainment and real estate divisions. Don retired from the board and his Chairmanship in 2012.
Don served as a member of the Washington Economic Development Board under three governors while chairing the State of Washington’s Quality of Life Task Force. He is a past Chair for the Spokane Regional Chamber of Commerce, served as President of the Spokane Chapter of the Building Owners and Managers Association, was President of the Spokane Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau and chaired Sacred Heart Medical Center in some of its strongest growth years, and currently serves on the steering committee of the Healthy Washington Coalition.
Don was the Democratic candidate for U.S. House of Representatives in 2004 and remains very politically and civically active. Don resides in Hawaii with his spouse, Sharon Smith. Together they founded and continue to oversee the Smith-Barbieri Progressive Fund, a 501(c)3 charitable foundation that focuses on building human potential, fostering nonprofit creativity and ingenuity, helping marginalized people build their power and other quality of life issues in the Inland Northwest.