Our Staff

RMHC INW is fortunate to have a dedicated team of staff members to deliver and enhance our programs,

champion our mission, and provide for the families in our care.

Executive Director

Phil Harrison

Phil was born and raised in Spokane and has deep connections within the community. Phil has extensive experience in the nonprofit sector, having grown his career at YMCA’s Camp Reed, where he started as seasonal summer staff and excelled into the role of Executive Director. His experience is supported by a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Washington and a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University. Over the years, Phil has attended various events and supported the mission of serving more families by participating in the Make-A-Meal program. As a person driven by service and uplifting others, Phil was naturally drawn to RMHC INW’s mission. Phil states, “I promise to give my best to ensure the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Inland Northwest will always be a ‘Home-Away-From-Home’ for families requiring critical medical care from our premier hospital community.”

Leadership Team

Hope Harper, Senior Finance Director

Hope is a Certified Public Accountant that comes to our organization with over 25+ years in accounting experience. She has three grown sons and 5 grandchildren. When she is not working she enjoys spending her time outdoors kayaking and hiking or recharging by reading and listening to music.

Maria Paxson, Interim Development Director

Maria, a Spokane native, graduated from Whitworth University with a B.A. in Communications. After discovering a passion for non-profit fundraising after interning at the Spokane Guild School (now Joya), she worked for the Community Colleges of Spokane Foundation. Taking a short break from fundraising she worked for Greater Spokane Inc, she felt called to return to the non-profit world and accepted the role as Event Coordinator for RMHC Inland NW. She has sat on the Spokane MARCOM Board and volunteered for many local non-profits. Maria feels grateful to be given the opportunity to fill in during this interim as Development Director and continue the great work of the House here in the Inland Northwest. When not at work Maria enjoys powerlifting, hiking and spending time with her husband and cat.

Emily Andrews, Senior Program Manager

*Bio coming soon

Emma Hayes, Senior Operations Manager

Emma comes to Spokane from Maryville, TN, where she served as Program Manager for a local nonprofit. Emma graduated from the University of Tennessee with a dual degree in Marketing and International Business. Emma has a strong passion for the RMHC mission, having had a sister battle childhood cancer. The youngest of seven children, Emma most appreciates the mission’s dedication to “Keeping Families Close.” Outside of work, Emma enjoys walking her dog Piper, playing outside, and reading.

Administrative Support Team

Brenda Miller, Human Resources Manager

Brenda completed her MBA in 2018 and joined the RMHC INW team in 2019. She strives to create an inclusive culture where all employees can thrive and be connected. Brenda enjoys a challenge and feels privileged to be a part of such an amazing group who are all working toward the mission with such passion. Brenda has lived in the Pacific Northwest all her life and thoroughly enjoys all four seasons here is eastern Washington.