Meet Cody Barnhart – Our New Operations and Finance Director

We’re thrilled to welcome Cody Barnhart as the newest member of the Inland Northwest Land Conservancy team! As our new Operations and Finance Director, Cody brings a unique blend of systems-savvy leadership, creative energy, and a lifelong love of the outdoors. 

Cody’s journey to the Inland Northwest began in the small town of Laingsburg, Michigan, where they grew up exploring nearly 100 acres of forest and a nearby lake – barefoot summers filled with tree forts, trailblazing, and a growing reverence for the natural world. That early bond with wild places never left, guiding Cody through a dynamic career that has spanned military service, tech education, and nonprofit leadership. 

Since moving to Spokane with their husband, Michael (a music composition professor at Gonzaga), Cody has found new ways to connect with this region. One of their first encounters with the organization was behind a drone camera – filming the Rimrock to Riverside corridor for an immersive concert fundraiser. That experience sparked a deeper connection, and we’re so glad it led them to us. 

Cody describes themselves as passionate about sustainability, systems-thinking, and yes – spreadsheets. But they’re equally at home in the creative world, often experimenting with laser engraving and imagining a future CNC woodworking shop.  

When they’re not keeping our operations running smoothly, you might find Cody hiking Spokane’s dramatic landscapes with Michael, taking in the region’s geology, flora, and fauna. As Cody says, “I love the energy of this region – a place where people don’t just admire nature but work together to protect it.” 

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Cody. We’re so excited to have them on the team!