Oct 02, 2024

FORMA Construction

FORMA Construction is celebrating the 25th anniversaries of principals Keith Michel and Brian Rich. Michel joined FORMA in 1999 as a project engineer, serving in various roles including estimator, project manager, senior project manager, and recently vice president and principal. His experience in the K-12 market has been a cornerstone of his career. He has managed and led multiple single bond programs for school districts, including major projects for Anacortes School District, Centralia School District, and Yelm Community Schools. Michel has also worked on sustainability-driven projects, such as the Cedar River Watershed and Mercer Slough Environmental Education Centers. Rich, who also joined FORMA in 1999, became director of preconstruction and principal in 2019. He began his career in accounting but quickly transitioned into project management and estimating. Over the years, Rich has taken on a range of key roles, leading major projects at Sea-Tac Airport and the Capitol Campus while pioneering technology integration at FORMA. His leadership also extended to the successful launch of several key JOC contracts for the city of Seattle and the city of Bellevue. Michel serves as the vice chair of the Capital Projects Advisory Review Board, and is involved in community nonprofits like Friends of Capitol Forest. Rich also dedicates his time to local nonprofits, such as the Hands on Children's Museum and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County.

Davis Wright Tremaine

Drozd

Davis Wright Tremaine elected Jaime Drozd, co-chair of the firm's litigation practice and a longtime industry leader, as firmwide managing partner. After a six month-long process, Drozd was selected unanimously by an internal search committee and the firm's executive committee and confirmed with a vote by the partnership. Since joining the firm a decade ago, Drozd has served in a number of key leadership positions, including most recently as vice chair of the firm's executive committee and co-chair of the litigation practice since 2022. Pete Johnson has served as Davis Wright Tremaine's interim managing partner for the past six months. Drozd, who is based in Seattle, takes over as managing partner effective immediately and will be the first woman to serve in that role. Johnson, also in Seattle, is returning full-time to his technology transactions practice. Drozd began her legal career at Goodwin Procter in Boston and later spent a decade at Seattle firm Ogden Murphy Wallace before joining DWT in 2014. Davis Wright Tremaine is an AmLaw 100 law firm with more than 600 lawyers representing clients based throughout the United States and around the world.

Oct 01, 2024

Hotel Westland

Lapasin

Aparium Hotel Group named Rod Lapasin as managing director and general manager of Hotel Westland, a luxury boutique hotel, restaurant and rooftop bar opening at RailSpur in Seattle's Pioneer Square in spring 2025. Lapasin brings more than 35 years of industry experience to the property, having held senior leadership roles with brands including, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, and the Salish Lodge & Spa. Developed by Urban Villages, and designed by The Miller Hull Partnership with interiors by Curioso, the hotel preserves the original 1907 brick and Douglas Fir timbers of the Manufacturers Exchange Building. The hotel will feature 120 guest rooms, bespoke amenities, a signature restaurant, and a rooftop bar with views of Puget Sound and the Seattle skyline. It will also showcase 328 Pacific Northwest-inspired art pieces curated by ARTXIV. At Hotel Westland, Lapasin will lead daily operations, focusing on elevating the guest experience. He will also serve as managing director of RailSpur, an adaptive reuse development by Urban Villages that includes Hotel Westland, the newly announced Death & Co cocktail bar, three Sea Creatures restaurants, and 77,000 square feet of workspace with a rooftop event space. Additionally, RailSpur features 26 Sonder Suites and activated alleys hosting regular art, music and culinary events.

Milliman

Seattle-based Milliman, a global consulting and actuarial firm, announced an upcoming transition in leadership. Milliman board chair Ken Mungan is retiring in early 2025 following a full 10-year, term-limited tenure leading the firm. Mungan's time as chair is notable for strong growth, expansion into new markets, and a commitment to mission-driven work. Milliman's new chair will be chosen by its principals, and the announcement of the appointment is expected in late January 2025. The new chair will serve a five-year term, with the possibility of a second five-year term. Founded in 1947, Milliman is an independent firm with offices in major cities around the globe.

Tacoma Rescue Mission

After nearly a decade in business, James Beard Award-nominated Chef Derek Bray has closed his restaurant, The Table, and has rejoined the Tacoma Rescue Mission culinary team. Bray has stepped into a teaching role at the Tacoma Rescue Mission, where he will build a culinary arts program to provide life skills, job training and prepare individuals transitioning out of homelessness for careers in food service industry. “I believe that every person deserves opportunities for betterment and a culinary arts program holds great potential to lift individuals up with skills and joy,” Bray shared. “I look forward to the opportunity of sharing my passion and experience with the clients and community of the Tacoma Rescue Mission.”

Sep 27, 2024

TAPCO Credit Union

Mandery

Jeremy Mandery has joined TAPCO Credit Union as the new chief lending officer. Most recently, Mandery served as vice president of lending and credit administration at Kitsap Credit Union, where he oversaw all aspects of lending and collections. He also played a key role in introducing products that enhanced the member experience and optimized workflows for employees. He previously worked with a Community Development Financial Institution that worked to engage diverse communities and promote equity in financial services. As TAPCO's chief lending officer, Mandery will spearhead initiatives that align with TAPCO's mission to deliver innovative financial products while supporting the broader community. Tacoma-based TAPCO is a not-for-profit credit union serving the South Sound since 1934.

King County Council

Lucero

The King County Council presented the 2024 King County Recovery Champion Award to Esther Lucero, president and CEO of the Seattle Indian Health Board. Lucero was recognized by the King County Council for addressing health disparities and inequities faced by American Indians and Alaska Natives. Under her leadership, Seattle Indian Health Board has led efforts to provide treatment and recovery services for both the Native community and the larger King County community. The organization developed one of the county's first low-barrier treatment clinics offering buprenorphine and has integrated Traditional Indian Medicine healing practices for those struggling with substance use disorder. Lucero is also leading efforts to combat the opioid crisis by spearheading the reopening of the Thunderbird Treatment Center on Vashon Island in 2025. Created in 2022 through legislation proposed by Councilmember Regan Dunn and co-sponsored by Councilmember Sarah Perry, the King County Recovery Champion Award recognizes a person or organization within King County that has demonstrated hard work and passion in helping those with substance use disorders.

North Seattle College

North Seattle College received a $100,000 grant renewal from Johnson Controls, for a total award of $300,000, as part of the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program. This funding enhances on-campus training and educational opportunities for future professionals in the HVAC, digital, fire and security industries. Since its inception in 2021, the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program has provided funding annually to community colleges in North America to help prepare students for career paths in sustainable building practices. Recipients can renew the grant for up to three years, creating long-term opportunities for program development. With last year's funding, North Seattle College supported students studying electronics with scholarships, embedded classroom and lab assistants to support student learning, and dedicated student support services. The renewed funding will open doors for new initiatives and projects. In addition to financial support, Johnson Controls employees in the surrounding area will continue to engage with North Seattle College students through mentoring programs. Johnson Controls, a global provider of equipment for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, operates a global team of 100,000 experts in more than 150 countries.