Deacon Construction

Peeples

Deacon Construction has added Steven Peeples as division manager for Special Projects in its Seattle office.

Peeples brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in real estate development, construction management, and operations across multifamily, mixed-use, hospitality, and commercial projects throughout the Pacific Northwest. His background spans both owner/developer and general contractor perspectives, giving him a well-rounded command of preconstruction, budgeting, scheduling, entitlement strategy, and full-cycle project execution.

Known for building collaborative, high-performing teams and delivering strong outcomes for clients and stakeholders, Deacon says that his proactive approach and deep industry relationships make Peeples a valuable addition.

Mutual of Enumclaw

Peterson

Mutual of Enumclaw recently hired industry veteran Joe Peterson as its new vice president of claims and chief claims officer.

Peterson joins the MOE team with more than 20 years of claims leadership experience, most recently serving as vice president – P&C Claims at Zenith Insurance Company. In that role, he was responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of the Agribusiness Claims organization, with a focus on performance, innovation, and organizational alignment.

Previously, Peterson held senior leadership roles at Zenith, including assistant vice president and director of casualty claims, with oversight of complex casualty and litigation portfolios. Over the course of his career, Peterson has a reputation for building strong culture with a focus on the development of the claims team. He also held multiple claims leadership positions at Allied/Nationwide Insurance, where he built and led high-performing teams and reinforced technical excellence.

Mutual of Enumclaw is a Washington-based regional insurer specializing in personal, business, and farm and ranch coverage.

ACI Mechanical & HVAC Sales

Keller

ACI Mechanical & HVAC Sales has named Tyler Keller vice president, Data Center Solutions. Keller brings more than 17 years of experience driving revenue growth, with expertise in hyperscale, colocation and AI infrastructure, combined with a strong engineering background. Keller will lead ACI's data center solutions division, focusing on expanding the company's presence and supporting both existing and emerging client relationships.

Prior to joining ACI, Keller served as global account manager, Enterprise Solutions on Carrier's Global Data Center team. Earlier in his career, he held roles at Automated Logic, a Carrier company, managing large-scale automation projects for global enterprise clients across various markets.

Headquartered in Seattle, an ESOP company, ACI Mechanical & HVAC Sales is an the Pacific Northwest's premier partner for commercial HVAC applications. ACI collaborates with consulting engineers, contractors, and their customers to deliver solutions in data centers, industrial, education, commercial office, and healthcare. ACI is a team 55 degreed sales engineers and project professionals working with over 50 equipment manufacturers.

Liberty Bank

Woods

Liberty Bank announced the appointment of Rob Woods as executive vice president and chief financial officer.

Woods brings decades of financial leadership and community banking experience to Liberty Bank, which is based in Poulsbo. Prior to joining the organization, he spent more than 20 years with SaviBank, where he was a founding member and chief financial officer.

Earlier in his career, Woods held the role of chief financial officer at Columbia Trust Bank in Kennewick and gained additional experience with several financial institutions, including the Federal Home Loan Bank.

Woods holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Western Washington University and a Master of Finance from Seattle University. He also completed advanced banking studies at the University of South Carolina's Graduate School of Bank Investments and Financial Management.

Liberty Bank is a locally owned community bank.

Cameron MacAllister Group

Ferriss

Davis

Bergeron

Dennis-van Dijl

Frantz

Wilson

Gilday

Cameron MacAllister Group (CMG), a California-based consulting and marketing firm serving A/E/C clients throughout the country, has added seven principals to its ownership team: Kate Frantz and Saskia Dennis-van Dijl who are based in the Pacific Northwest, and Tiffany Bergeron, Clark Davis, Lori Ferriss, Larisa Forester Gilday, and Scott Wilson who serve clients nationwide including the Seattle area.

CMG was founded 40 years ago by Mark Cameron and has now grown to a team of 20. Cameron is stepping down from formal ownership and will remain active as a consultant.

Parametrix

Arizmendiz

Randy Arizmendiz has joined Parametrix as a senior principal engineer. He brings 20 years of experience planning, designing, and delivering advanced wastewater treatment systems for municipal and industrial clients throughout the West Coast.

Arizmendiz comes to Parametrix from Revida Water, where he served as vice president of engineering and construction. His experience includes large-scale organics-to-energy facilities, anaerobic digestion and renewable natural gas systems, advanced wastewater treatment, industrial water reuse, and integrated energy recovery infrastructure.

At Parametrix, he joins the firm's water division, which provides electrical and supervisory control and data acquisition, flood control, stormwater, wastewater, and drinking water services to cities, counties, water districts and others throughout the Northwest.

Foster Garvey

Randles

Flichtbeil

Foster Garvey announced the promotion of two senior leaders: Scott Flichtbeil was promoted to chief executive officer (CEO), and Andrew Randles was promoted to chief financial officer (CFO).

Flichtbeil previously served as the firm's chief operating officer for nearly five and a half years and before that, as CFO. Based in Seattle, Flichtbeil focuses on the long-term strategy of the firm and oversees the day-to-day operations and administrative functions. He works closely with other firm leaders on efforts impacting strategic growth and sustainability, including budget management, recruiting, capital structures and attorney compensation. Prior to joining Foster Garvey, he worked at other Seattle-based law firms, as well as professional service firms. He earned his MBA from Seattle University.

Randles was previously the firm's director of finance and accounting. As CFO, he works closely with Flichtbeil, the firm's co-chairs, the Executive Committee and other key stakeholders on the firm's financial operations. Based in Portland, he leads the development and execution of the budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis processes across the firm's six offices. He previously served as the president of the Multnomah Athletic Club (MAC).

Foster Garvey PC has offices in Seattle, Portland, Washington, D.C., New York, Spokane and Tulsa.

Sate Insurance Commissioner

Washington state Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer is visiting Eastern Washington communities in May as part of her Community Connect outreach events, focusing on meeting residents of wildfire-threatened areas and discussing their issues with home insurance.

“Large-scale wildfires are becoming more commonplace, and wildfire risk is an increasingly important aspect of home insurance,” Kuderer said, in a news release Monday.

The first of two events is set for May 16 in Deer Park at the Wildfire & Forestry Safety Fair, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Deer Park Fire Station 41, at 315 Crawford St. The second is on May 20, 6-8 p.m., at Medical Lake City Hall, at 124 S. Lefevre St.

State insurance officials say home insurance nonrenewals and cancellations have more than doubled since 2021, largely in response to increased wildfire risk in parts of the state.

Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) recently added Washington to its list of states in which its Wildfire Prepared Home designation is available. The Wildfire Prepared program is a set of research-based mitigation actions that help homeowners and builders in high-risk areas better protect their homes and neighborhoods from wildfire. These home-hardening standards drive insurer confidence and market stability by directly reducing the likelihood of a home igniting.

More can be found at https://www.insurance.wa.gov/.

Sterling Realty Organization

Skager

Gilchrist

Schooler

Over in Bellevue, where Sterling Realty Organization is a major owner and manager of various properties, David Schooler will retire after 47 years (!) with the company. Sterling announced the news last week, along with a reshuffle of its executive suite. Schooler has been executive chairman of the board for the past dozen years. Sterling calls him “an essential contributor to SRO's success and a well-known leader in downtown Bellevue.” Then, with only 40 years at the firm, Tom Gilchrist will become the new executive chair. Then, further divvying up the C Suite responsibilities, Matt Skager becomes president of Sterling, taking Gilchrist's old role. Skager joined the firm in 2014. Founded by John Danz in 1911, during the silent movie era, the growing SRO movie chain later diversified into real estate. It's now in its fifth generation of family ownership. And a sad footnote: Onni Group is preparing to demolish the former John Danz Theatre complex, including the former Barnes & Noble (aka the former Belle Lanes Bowl). Sterling sold the property to the Canadian developer in 2019 for $116 million.

Kidder Mathews

Maturi

Industry veteran Craig Maturi has joined Kidder Mathews, that firm announced this week. He makes the move from Urban Renaissance Group, and will now be based in Kidder's Bellevue office. There, he'll lead asset services on the Eastside, and continue advising institutional, private and governmental clients. Kidder's Erin French said in a statement, “We've built tremendous momentum on the Eastside, and Craig is the right leader to help us continue to expand our presence and raise the bar for our clients. His track record across complex portfolios and diverse markets makes him an excellent addition to an already strong team.”

Kitsap County Superior Court

McKeeman

Gov. Bob Ferguson appointed Maureen McKeeman to the position of Kitsap County Superior Court Judge. Effective Aug. 2, the appointment fills the position that Judge Kevin Hull's resignation will vacate.

McKeeman is a career litigator with over 15 years of experience in civil, criminal and family law. She currently practices estate planning, probate, real property and criminal law as a partner at the law firm of Tolman, Hinson & McKeeman in Poulsbo. She also serves as a judge pro tempore in Bremerton Municipal Court, Bainbridge Island Municipal Court and Kitsap County District Court, and she previously served as a municipal court judge for the City of Poulsbo.

Earlier in her career, McKeeman spent three years handling a range of misdemeanor cases and traffic infraction matters as a prosecuting attorney in Bremerton. She spent two years at the law firm of LaCross & Murphy in Port Orchard, where she represented clients in criminal proceedings in Kitsap County Superior, District and Municipal Courts. She also practiced criminal law as a partner at McKeeman & Miller in Silverdale.

Outside the courtroom, McKeeman volunteers at the Office of Military and Veteran Legal Assistance and teaches estate planning classes with Poulsbo Parks and Recreation. She also served for five years on the board of trustees at West Sound Academy.

McKeeman earned her bachelor's degree from Willamette University and her law degree from Seattle University School of Law.

ShareBuilder

ShareBuilder 401k has announced a 50% off setup promotion on all 401(k) retirement plans to help small business owners establish tax-advantaged savings to help owners and employees alike build for a secure retirement.

With the multifaceted issues of AI implementations, difficultly attracting skilled talent, and managing complex tax burdens in today's business climate, small businesses are actively seeking effective strategies to build their business, reduce taxes and be in position to retire down the road. Recognizing that many small business employers decide to establish a 401(k) immediately after their spring tax strategy meetings with their accountants, ShareBuilder 401k is offering half-off plan setup costs to make this critical financial step more accessible.

Now through May 26, eligible U.S. businesses establishing a new ShareBuilder 401k plan can receive 50% off the setup of any new plan. The promotion provides up to $375 in initial savings for businesses with more than one employee 401(k) plan and up to $75 in savings for Solo 401(k) plans.

Companies with employees starting their first 401(k) plan can also qualify for tax credits that help offset other 401(k) administration charges and employer matching contributions for the first three years of the plan. For more information on the May promotion, visit http://www.sharebuilder401k.com.

Reid Middleton

Bishop

Stapleton

Matsumoto

Crocker

Hammer

Reid Middleton has appointed Corbin Hammer as president, Paul Crocker as chief operating officer, Brian Matsumoto as group director of structural engineering, and Seth Stapleton and Erik Bishop as principals working in the firm's Everett headquarters.

Hammer joined Reid Middleton in 2002 as a structural engineering intern before advancing to structural group co-director. His experience includes leading fire station design across the Pacific Northwest, seismic evaluations and consulting, and federal/military work across the U.S. and internationally.

Crocker joined in 2004. His leadership, supported by strong organizational and technical skills, contributed to him becoming structural group co-director with Hammer in 2018.

Matsumoto has been with the firm since 2014. He's a client-focused leader who excels at building enduring relationships.

Stapleton has 20 years of structural engineering and project management experience and joined the firm in 2017. He has expanded the firm's structural projects for King County, federal agencies, school districts, and housing and mixed-use developments.

Bishop has been with the firm for 15 years and continues to champion its seismic resiliency efforts, leading numerous seismic evaluation, upgrade, and response plan projects for federal/military, private and healthcare clients.

Architects West

Valentine

Marcus Valentine, a principal with Architects West, has successfully completed the Design-Build Institute of America's comprehensive education and certification testing program to become a nationally certified Design-Build Professional.

Over his 16 years with Architects West, Valentine has focused on serving municipal clients, leading projects ranging from city halls to fire station facilities. His work emphasizes functionality, community impact, and long-term value for public-sector clients.

In addition to municipal work, Valentine has partnered with several Native American Tribes throughout the Northwest, contributing to a wide range of project types that support cultural, civic and community needs.

City of Tacoma

The city of Tacoma's Equity in Contracting (EIC) Program is holding a workshop and Q&A session with the state Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises (OMWBE) on the business certification process. The virtual event will be held from 9-10 a.m. on May 18.

Topics include: an overview of the city's EIC Program; federal and state certification; tips on how to successfully complete an application; what documentation is required; what to bring for the follow-up OMWBE Certification 201 workshop; and guidance on becoming a certified business and unlocking new contracting opportunities.

This workshop is the first in a two-part series. The OMWBE Certification 201 workshop will be offered in a hybrid format on May 28, from 9-11 a.m. Event details are available at http://makeittacoma.com/events, or contact Linda Cerna at lcerna@tacoma.gov or (253) 453-9488 for more information.

County Department of Natural Resources and Parks

McBroom

Taylor

King County Exec. Girmay Zahilay announced that John Taylor, director of the Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP), has accepted an appointment as the new CEO of the Cascade Water Alliance, a partner organization that contributes to safe, clean, reliable water supply in the Central Puget Sound region. Taylor will begin his new role May 29.

Mo McBroom — who has served as deputy director for DNRP since 2020 — has been appointed interim director.

The department completed major projects during Taylor's tenure, including King County's largest-ever floodplain restoration project, a unique onsite battery system that provides reliable power to West Point Treatment Plant, and the renewal of the King County Parks Levy.

Taylor was appointed DNRP director in February 2024 after serving as the first director of the King County Department of Local Services. He previously served as a member of the department's leadership team, and was one of the architects of the Land Conservation Initiative, a partnership protecting urban greenspace, forestland, farmland, river corridors and natural areas while increasing access to the outdoors.

The next director will lead a workforce of 2,300-plus employees. DNRP restores habitat, reduces flood risks, builds and operates major infrastructure that protects Puget Sound, transforms waste management to cut carbon emissions, and expands and enhances regional parks and trails.

City of Lynnwood

Harrell

The Lynnwood City Council has confirmed Monisha Harrell as the city's next assistant city administrator. The confirmation comes after a nationwide search to fill the position within the City's Executive Department.

Harrell is a senior leader with extensive experience in nonprofit governance, public policy, and organizational management. She has held executive roles in local government, including serving as director of the Office of Equity and Racial and Social Justice for King County and as senior deputy mayor for the city of Seattle.

Harrell has also led complex organizations and initiatives focused on civil rights, education and community impact, including serving as board chair of Equal Rights Washington and in national leadership roles advancing LGBTQ equality.

She holds an MBA from the University of Washington Foster School of Business and a bachelor's degree in film studies from Columbia University.

Lorenz Private Trustees

Bitterman

Lorenz Private Trustees has appointed Heidi Bitterman, J.D., C.T.F.A., as a private trustee, serving clients across Washington, Oregon and California. Bitterman, a licensed California attorney who maintains her bar status, brings nearly two decades of experience in trusts and estates, fiduciary administration and multigenerational wealth advising.

Bitterman's background spans leadership roles in both legal and financial institutions. As vice president and client advisor at The Whittier Trust Company of Nevada, she advised ultra-high-net-worth families and provided strategic guidance in estate planning, trust administration, philanthropy, investment management, and complex family governance. She previously served as Estate Settlement Market Director for Bank of America. Earlier in her legal career, she established a trusts and estates practice within a family law firm, managing comprehensive estate planning, probate and trust administration matters.

Bitterman serves on the board of directors for the East King County Estate Planning Council; co-chairs the University of Southern California's Seattle Regional Alumni Network; and is a trustee of Path 2 Healthy, a nonprofit dedicated to holistic health and wellness.

Lorenz Private Trustees provides professional fiduciary services, including trust administration, estate settlement and related support for individuals and families across the country.

Puget Sound Partnership

Puget Sound Partnership is holding an Adaptive Management Forum for Salmon Recovery, May 19-20. Titled “Swimming Upriver: Learning from Our Setbacks to Adapt and Move Forward,” the two-day virtual forum will bring together practitioners, planners, decision-makers, scientists, and implementers from across Puget Sound watersheds to connect, share lessons learned, and explore how adaptive management can strengthen implementation efforts across the region. Through case studies, emerging science and facilitated discussion, the forum is designed to create space for peer learning, reflection and practical takeaways that participants can apply in their own work. Sessions are from 8:30 a.m .to 12:30 p.m. on Zoom. Register online here: https://tinyurl.com/ye6h3khc

PLS Engineering

Lang

Underland

Murray

David Murray has joined PLS Engineering in Vancouver as a junior survey lead. Murray brings a strong background in surveying, including construction staking; ALTA; boundary, topographic and site plan surveys; and line staking. In his prior roles he assisted lead surveyors with field operations, completed topographic and site plan surveys and maintained equipment and supplies to ensure his teams were well-prepared for each new project. Murray holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in surveying and geomatics from Clark College.

Evan Underland recently joined the PLS land survey team bringing valuable hands-on field experience. He began his career as a survey technician and advanced to the role of survey lead with a previous employer. In that capacity, Underland led boundary and topographic surveys, directing small two- and three-person crews. Underland has passed the fundamentals of surveying exam and is a graduate of Clark College, where he earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in surveying and geomatics.

Evan Lang joined the PLS survey team in 2018 as a survey crew lead. In 2021 he was promoted to assistant survey manager. In April, Lange received his certification as a professional land surveyor in the state of Washington.