Diane Kamionka was recently named interim executive director of the Northwest Innovation Resource Center (NWIRC). John Sechrest, who has held the position since November 2010, will be leaving to pursue other opportunities.

“We wish John well in his next venture, and wish to thank him for his contribution to the early phases of the Northwest Innovation Resource center,” Debbie Ahl, chairman of the NWIRC board, said in a press release. “We look forward to continuing to gain traction on our goal of adding jobs to our economy by accelerating the growth of startup businesses under Diane’s leadership.”

Kamionka has experience in the general management of large corporate growth and in entrepreneurial startups. In 1987 she founded Cintech Solutions in Ohio and served as president and CEO. Since relocating to Washington, Kamionka has facilitated the establishment of the Northwest Agricultural Business Center and the NWIRC in Whatcom County.

Kamionka earned her master’s degree in business from Xavier University and also received the Ernst & Young entrepreneur of the year award for e-commerce software.