Nov 16, 2023

Clise Properties

Hill

Clise Properties recently announced that Lori Hill is joining the firm as VP of leasing; she makes the move from Unico Properties. Clise said in a press release, “Lori has a deep understanding of and appreciation for the culture and history of Clise Properties.” The family-run company, founded in 1889, has an extensive portfolio of downtown office buildings, plus one hotel. Clise also announced a bit of reshuffling in its executive suite: Al Clise becomes executive chairman, and Dave Cuthill is now CEO. And Bryan Joyner now takes the positions of president and CFO.

SanMar

Draughn

SanMar Corp., a supplier of wholesale accessories and apparel, named Dean Draughn as vice president of sourcing and product development. Draughn brings more than 30 years of end-to-end global experience spanning the entire product life cycle from design to distribution. During his 33-year career, he has developed expertise in leading teams for supply chain management, operations, development, manufacturing, compliance, and quality. Draughn is a member of the Cotton Board, an administrative arm of the Cotton Research and Promotion Programs that serves as a key liaison to the United States Department of Agriculture. Draughn previously served as an appointed member of the United States Department of Commerce and the Office of the United States Trade Representatives International Trade Advisory Committee for Textiles and Apparel. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Family owned and operated, SanMar is based in Issaquah, with nine distribution centers nationwide and apparel from more than 30 brands.

Electric Era Technologies

Seattle-based Electric Era Technologies, a manufacturer of EV fast charging stations, announced the launch of the first of more than 10 commercial installations across the United States this year, with an installation of its proprietary PowerNode charging station at a Portland Plaid Pantry, with a goal of 10,000 installations across the U.S. by 2030. The Plaid Pantry installation is the first-of-its-kind deployment for Electric Era's patented AC-coupled microgrid EV fast charging technology which combines battery and grid power in real time to distribute to EVs when they charge. The technology uses 25% of the typical draw from legacy EV chargers on the electrical grid, from 800kW down to 200kW, allowing operators to avoid demand-based operating expenses and bolstering the reliability of aging infrastructure. A 10-minute charge from the PowerNode charging station can typically deliver 100 miles of range, depending on the vehicle age and onboard technology. Electric Era Technologies was launched in 2019 by former SpaceX engineers; its PowerNode EV charging stations deliver high-speed, electrical grid-friendly charging at gas stations, convenience stores and quick service retailers across the United States.

NuScale Power

NuScale Power announced the opening of the first privately-funded NuScale Energy Exploration Center (E2 Center) at Seoul National University with partners GS Energy Corporation, Doosan Enerbility Co., and Samsung C&T Corporation. As the first E2 Center in Asia, the educational training hub serves as a workforce development tool for South Korea to develop the next generation of advanced nuclear experts, technologists, and operators, positioning the country to become a regional leader of small modular reactor (SMR) deployment in Asia. The deepening partnership between NuScale and Korean energy industry leaders will help Korean companies advance their SMR capabilities, which could lead to exports of Korean-supported SMRs in the future. Founded in 2007, NuScale is headquartered in Portland.

New restaurant at Rainier Square

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Fogo de Chao is a Brazilian steakhouse chain, which recently confirmed plans to open a new location at Rainier Square. Specifically, it'll take the rooftop level of 400 University, the small companion office building south of the main Rainier Square tower. Expected to open next year, the upscale eatery will have a 5,000-square-foot terrace for outdoor dining. Fogo CEO Barry McGowan said in a statement, “Following the success of the Lynnwood and Bellevue restaurants, we were eager to bring another location to Washington. We are thrilled to open our first Seattle restaurant and rooftop lounge downtown.” Wright Runstad & Co. developed the two new towers, and its Walt Ingram said the restaurant “will be an incredibly important and well-timed addition to our Rainier Square offerings, will add to Seattle's vibrant culinary scene and, as importantly, signal the continued activation of downtown in general.”

Nov 15, 2023

Egon Zehnder

Egon Zehnder, a leadership advisory firm, announced that after supporting clients in the Pacific Northwest for more than 20 years, the firm will expand its footprint and connection to the region with physical office locations, opening a new office in downtown Seattle, with another location in Vancouver, British Columbia opening in early 2024. The Seattle office will feature a founding team of three leadership advisory experts: Chris King-Sidney, most recently an industrials and energy executive; Patrick Mendenall, a tech and gaming industry executive; and Sara O'Gorman, a leader in retail and early-stage companies.

Edifecs

Belleuve-based Edifecs, a global health information technology solutions company, added Stephen Ayers to its leadership team as chief financial officer. With decades of finance management experience, including executive level leadership positions at Lyric, Change Healthcare, and McKesson Corp., Ayers will lead Edifecs' finance team with a focus on growth. Ayers honed his finance career at McKesson where he focused on growing and improving key business units and advising on various growth strategies including acquisitions and partnerships. He previously enjoyed a 24-year career with McKesson including three years as vice president of finance/CFO. In 202, Ayers went on to Change Healthcare, where he led the company as its senior vice president and CFO of corporate. Ayers earned his bachelor's in business administration with a focus on accounting and programming from James Madison University. He attained his professional accounting license, CPA, in 1988. Earlier this year, Edifecs announced the additions of Summerpal Kahlon, M.D., as chief medical officer, Rod O'Reilly as chairman of the board, Tom Shultz as chief revenue officer, and Chris Lance as chief product officer to its leadership team.

Fora Landscape Architects

Yingling

Bérubé Lebrun

Ho

Seattle-based landscape architecture firm, Fora Landscape Architects, has elevated three professionals to associate principal positions: Gar-Yun Ho, Léandre (Leo) Bérubé Lebrun and Todd Yingling.

Ho, a thought leader within the firm, excels in delivering place-based solutions to a diverse range of clients, including commercial and residential developers and school districts. Her recent projects include Spectra in Marymoor's Design District, the Grant Center for the Expressive Arts, and James Baldwin Elementary.

Hailing from Quebec, Canada, Bérubé Lebrun has been a key contributor to Fora since 2016, significantly enhancing the firm’s reputation for strong client relationships. His portfolio includes notable projects like North Middle School and collaborations with the Bellingham School District. Prior to joining Fora, Bérubé Lebrun worked in the highly regarded studio of Claude Cormier in Montreal.

Having started as an intern with Fora in 2012, Yingling possesses extensive experience in designing K-12 school projects with a focus on large campuses. His technical expertise has propelled Fora to the forefront of athletic facility design, balancing artful design with rigorous detailing. Notable projects include the Everett Riverfront Mixed-Use Development, Mountain View Athletic Complex, and Bethel High School.

Established in 1983, Fora Landscape Architects (previously Weisman Design Group) is a Pacific Northwest landscape architecture studio celebrated for inventive projects spanning education, athletic facilities, mixed-use, multifamily, and master planning. With 40 years of practice, they recently expanded to a new office in Seattle's Roosevelt neighborhood, continuing to produce innovative designs in both the public and private sectors.

Parametrix

Rooks

Parametrix has hired Tom Rooks as a senior construction manager and project manager. He has over 30 years of experience in project management and architecture.

Rooks comes to Parametrix from Rider Levett Bucknall where he served as an owner's representative and project/construction manager working primarily on K-12 schools in Washington State. His project experience includes Mount Vernon School District's Old Main and Admin Building as well as White River School District's Glacier Middle School, Elkridge Elementary, and Wilkeson Elementary. Previously, he worked in architecture on a variety of projects, including civic, commercial, and environmental education centers.

At Parametrix, he joins the firm's owner's representative group, supporting K-12 school districts throughout the Puget Sound region.

RMC Architects

Wright

Heck

Costic

Bellingham-based RMC Architects announced the following promotions:

Lexie Costic has been promoted to associate. Costic joined RMC in 2016 and has distinguished herself as an excellent mentor, big picture thinker, and detailed project manager. She has earned the confidence of RMC's clients who trust her with their vision and appreciate her attention to detail. She brings unique perspectives to building renovations and restorations from her background in archaeology and historic preservation prior to becoming a registered architect. Her project contributions include the Mount Baker Theatre Renovations, SWIFT Center Assembly Hall Exterior Renovation, and Bellingham Central Library Renovations.

David Heck has also been promoted to associate. Heck joined RMC in 2019. He is regarded for his nimble, proactive approach leading complex projects while maintaining a spirit of levity. His ability to think critically about architecture and design enables him to balance both form and function, making him an astute problem solver who has earned the respect of clients and project teams. He enjoys planning for density in and around urban landscapes and is currently working on a private Main Street Townhouse development in Lynden, WA for BOUMA. His projects also include Pacific Street Operations Center Phases 1 and 2, St. Thomas More Parish Hall Renovations, and Whatcom County Northwest Redevelopment.

Robert Wright has also been promoted to associate. Wright joined RMC in 2014, bringing passion for design and the valuable skill of thinking holistically about the firm's work. He has taken on the vital role of firm liaison with the AIA NWW (American Institute of Architects Northwest Washington). His quiet demeanor belies an intensity and discipline in how he approaches each project. He was the project architect for Samish Commons and Spring Street Landing — both recipients of the AIA NWW Honor Award. He and was also involved in the SWIFT Center Master Plan for the Port of Skagit.

Washington Department of Ecology

Zenk

Washington Department of Ecology Director Laura Watson has named Jeff Zenk as director of the Office of Chehalis Basin. This office oversees the state's efforts to reduce catastrophic flood damage and restore aquatic habitat in the Chehalis River Basin, the state's second-largest river basin.

Zenk has worked at Ecology since 2019, serving as the agency's Southwest Region communications manager and supporting its air quality and climate programs. His past experience includes working as a legislative analyst with the Washington Senate and running his own public affairs firm.

The Legislature created the Office of Chehalis Basin within Ecology in 2016 to address severe flooding and aquatic habitat degradation in the watershed. Over the past 30 years, the basin suffered its six largest floods in recorded history, resulting in millions of dollars in damage. At the same time, fish resources in the basin have been in steep decline.

As Office of Chehalis Basin director, Zenk will work with the Chehalis Basin Board, a seven-member legislatively mandated board, and five ex officio members, tasked with developing the Chehalis Basin Strategy and implementing its budget.

The strategy involves a network of partners working to reduce flood-related damage and restore and protect aquatic species habitat.