Green Seattle Partnership

The Green Seattle Partnership, a collaboration led by Seattle Parks and Recreation, has been named a World Restoration Flagship by the United Nations. It is among just eight ecosystem restoration initiatives worldwide to receive the distinction this year.

The partnership focuses on restoring urban ecosystems while strengthening connections between residents, nature and their neighborhoods. Through habitat restoration, environmental stewardship and community engagement, the program has become a model for how cities can invest in the health of their natural spaces while fostering a sense of belonging among residents.

Seattle joined the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration in 2023 through Generation Restoration, an international network of cities working to advance biodiversity and ecosystem recovery. The city's selection as a World Restoration Flagship highlights the growing recognition that urban areas can play a critical role in large-scale environmental restoration efforts.

The award was announced during Restoration Day at the UN Biodiversity Conference in Yerevan, Armenia. Seattle was recognized alongside restoration projects in China, Colombia, Ethiopia and Italy, and is one of only three cities ever to receive the honor. The designation celebrates ambitious, long-term initiatives that contribute to global goals aimed at restoring degraded ecosystems around the world by 2030.

Washington State Wine Commission

The Washington State Wine Commission has been awarded a $249,000 Specialty Crop Block Grant to expand its Road Trip Washington Wine education program aimed at increasing domestic wine sales.

The three-year grant, funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program and administered by the state Department of Agriculture, will support educational visits for more than 60 wine industry professionals from across the country, including buyers and decision-makers from restaurants and retail outlets.

The immersive program brings wine trade professionals to Washington vineyards and wineries to learn about the state's wine regions, producers and products firsthand. The commission said the effort is designed to strengthen awareness of Washington wines and encourage sales through recommendations from influential industry professionals.

“Research shows that 80 percent of wine sales are influenced by recommendations from a trusted source,” said Kristina Kelley, executive director of the Washington State Wine Commission. “By bringing influential wine professionals directly to our state, we are creating meaningful connections that translate into greater awareness, stronger advocacy, and ultimately more sales of Washington wine.”

The grant-funded program began last month and is part of the commission's strategy to secure alternative funding sources while supporting long-term growth for Washington's wine industry.

Hensel Phelps

Ditzhazy

Wilkin

Heilman

Burr

Hensel Phelps' Pacific Northwest Region is expanding, welcoming 27 new employees over the past year with additional hires anticipated. To support its growing workforce, the company has promoted four team members to leadership roles spanning project management, field operations, estimating and project development.

Charleston Burr has been promoted to project manager. Burr brings experience on federal, aviation and education projects with a combined value exceeding $1.6 billion. His most recent work includes the federally funded, USACE USDA/ARS-WSU Plant Bioscience Research Building at Washington State University, where he oversaw scheduling and worked with suppliers to keep construction on track.

Jon Heilman has been promoted to project superintendent. With more than seven years at Hensel Phelps, Heilman has experience in transportation, aviation and healthcare facilities for a variety of delivery methods such as design-build, progressive design-build and CM at risk. For the newly completed Alaska Airlines North Main Terminal Redevelopment project (also known as SEA Gateway), he oversaw on-site self-performed work and trade partners, with responsibility for safety and quality control. Currently, his preconstruction planning experience with the Port of Seattle's S Concourse Evolution project complement his field leadership.

Michael Wilkin has been promoted to senior estimator. Wilkin has 11 years of industry experience and has worked on projects with a combined value exceeding $4.2 billion. His background spans aviation, correctional facilities, data centers, transportation, healthcare and higher education. Currently, Wilkin is supporting Alaska Airlines' Q Gates Conversion project through conceptual estimating and evaluation of design alternatives. He is also responsible for developing schedules for enabling and permanent work, in addition to tracking those costs, and coordinates cost and schedule updates with the project team.

Amanda Ditzhazy is stepping into the role of proposal manager in Hensel Phelps' Project Development team. Ditzhazy establishes win strategies, creates pursuit execution plans and manages the development of proposal responses. She also brings experience in communications, event management, editing, media and public relations and marketing collateral development. Beyond her work at Hensel Phelps, Ditzhazy is involved with WTS Puget Sound and served on the planning committee for its 2026 gala, which drew more than 800 transportation professionals, sponsors and community members.

Parametrix

Kelsey

Kimberly Kelsey has been selected as the greater Washington regional water division manager at Parametrix. Kelsey has 30 years of engineering and water and wastewater consulting experience.

In this new role, Kelsey will lead a team of 75 water professionals providing wastewater, drinking water, stormwater, flood control, electrical, and instrumentation and control services. Clients include cities, counties, water districts, and other public agencies throughout the Northwest.

Kelsey joined Parametrix in 2024 as part of the firm's advisory services practice. Most recently, she led the program management organization at Parametrix.

LMN Architects

Booth

Amrhein

LMN promoted AP Amrhein to director of urban design and hired Fiona Booth as director of interior design. The firm says these appointments reflect an ongoing commitment to a culture of exploration, creativity, and cross-disciplinary collaboration across all scales and sectors. LMN describes Amrhein and Booth as team members who embody LMN's core belief in design excellence, connecting people to place, and creating an inclusive and equitable built environment.

Amrhein brings 15 years of dedicated experience to city infrastructure, planning, and design. As a planner, designer, and facilitator, Amrhein has shaped places to be both transformative and inclusive. Her project work includes contributions to the Seattle Convention Center Campus Master Plan, the city of Seattle's Ballard and U-District Subarea Plans, and the SR-520 Montlake Lid and Land Bridge. Within LMN, Amrhein has led the strategic development of the firm's urban systems lab, which works to bridge the gaps between design, systems thinking, and community engagement. She has served as vice chair and urban planning commissioner on the Seattle Design Commission, and as a member of the Seattle Public Art Advisory Committee.

Booth is a licensed architect and interior designer with nearly two decades of experience crafting integrated projects. Her work intends to blur the boundary between architecture and interior design, and to prioritize human connection and experience. Her project experience spans higher education facilities and workplace design for technology developers and biomedical research institutions, including Washington State University, Microsoft and the Novartis Institutes.

CAPAA

Chao

Gov. Bob Ferguson has appointed Jenifer Chao as executive director of the Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs.

The commission works to improve access to government, education, business and other services for Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander residents across Washington. Established by the Legislature in 1974, the agency is guided by a 12-member commission appointed by the governor.

Chao brings more than 25 years of experience in public policy and community advocacy. Most recently, she worked with the Asian Pacific Islander Coalition Advocating Together for Health (APICAT). She previously served in several leadership roles with the city of Seattle, including director of the Department of Neighborhoods, and began her public service career with Asian Counseling & Referral Service and Neighborhood House.

Ferguson said Chao's advocacy background and commitment to Asian American and Pacific Islander communities will strengthen the commission's work. Chao succeeds interim Executive Director Nam Nguyen, who has led the agency since 2024 following the departure of former Executive Director Toshiko Grace Hasegawa.

Bellevue College

As Bellevue College celebrates its 60th anniversary, the institution is inviting prospective students and their families to explore educational opportunities during Discovery Day on Nov. 14. The free event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Student Success Center on the college's main campus in Bellevue.

Founded in 1966, Bellevue College has grown into one of Washington's largest higher education institutions, serving more than 600,000 students over its history and awarding more than 80,000 degrees and certificates. Today, more than 20,000 students enroll annually in programs ranging from transfer degrees and workforce training to bachelor's degree programs.

Discovery Day will give attendees the chance to learn about academic offerings, meet faculty and staff, explore student support services and tour the college's 100-acre campus. College President David May said the event is designed for anyone considering their next educational or career step, regardless of where they are in the decision-making process.

Bellevue College was recently included in Newsweek's 2026 rankings of America's Best Colleges for Women and was named a 2026 Leader College of Distinction by Achieving the Dream for its performance in enrollment, completion and equity outcomes.

City of Bellevue

Whipple

Hesselgesser

The city of Bellevue has named Jake Hesselgesser as its new development services director following a competitive hiring process. Hesselgesser, who has worked for the city for more than a decade in a variety of leadership roles, will oversee a department responsible for permitting, inspections, land use and development review, code enforcement, and small business consulting.

City Manager Diane Carlson said Hesselgesser has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to public service, collaboration and innovation. He previously served as Bellevue's building supervisor and business services director before taking on the role of acting department director.

Hesselgesser brings more than 25 years of local government and construction-related experience to the position and holds multiple professional certifications through the International Code Council. Before joining Bellevue, he worked as a senior inspector and plans examiner for Brown & Associates Certified Inspection Service and as a designer for civil engineering firm Willdan.

The city also announced that Nick Whipple will become deputy director later this month. Whipple has 14 years of planning and development experience, including 12 years with Bellevue in roles ranging from planner to assistant director. City officials said the leadership team's combined expertise in development services, planning, permitting and policy will help support Bellevue's continued growth and improve service delivery.

Cascadia Capital

Cascadia Capital, an independent investment bank focused on middle-market companies, has appointed Rhett Thurman as chief financial officer. Thurman brings more than 40 years of financial services experience and will lead the firm's finance, strategic planning and operations functions.

In his new role, Thurman will work with Cascadia's senior leadership team to advance strategic priorities and strengthen the firm's organizational infrastructure as it continues to grow. The firm said his background includes helping investment banking and financial services companies scale operations, expand capabilities and execute long-term initiatives.

Thurman spent 16 years at healthcare-focused investment bank Cain Brothers, where he served as managing director, chief financial officer, chief administrative officer and a member of the board of directors. During his tenure, the firm grew into one of Wall Street's largest middle-market healthcare M&A advisory firms and was acquired by KeyBanc Capital Markets in 2017.

Most recently, Thurman served as chief financial officer of Angle Health, an AI-native health insurance company. Cascadia said his experience in financial management, corporate development and strategic planning will help support the firm's continued growth and client-service objectives.

Rainier Partners

Seattle-based private equity firm Rainier Partners has invested in Apex Insurance Services, a Texas managing general agency platform that specializes in the non-standard auto insurance market, the companies announced.

Apex, headquartered in Richardson, Texas, operates five insurance brands and distributes products through more than 1,000 independent agent contracts covering roughly 2,500 retail locations across the state. The company said it has built one of Texas' largest non-standard auto insurance distribution networks since its founding in 2014.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Apex CEO Bryan Ward said the partnership will support the company's next phase of growth, including continued expansion in Texas, potential entry into new states, strategic acquisitions and exploration of related insurance products.

Rainier Partners manages more than $400 million in assets and focuses on lower middle-market businesses in sectors including financial services. Apex said Sherman & Company served as its sell-side advisor on the transaction.

Olson Kundig

Uribe

Meucci

Dennis

Dean

Chambers

The following members of the Olson Kundig team have been promoted to associate: Niamh Chambers, Hanna Dean, Justin Dennis, Joe Meucci and Julian Uribe.

Herrera Environmental Consultants

Johnson

Shanks

Wright

Herrera announced three leadership promotions in its sustainable development practice.

Tyson Wright has been promoted to director of the practice. In his new role, Wright joins Alice Lancaster and Christina Merten as the leader of one of Herrera's three core practice areas, advancing integrated solutions that support sustainable infrastructure, resource management and community resilience.

Mary Shanks was promoted to sustainable development business development director. Bringing a successful history of longstanding client relationships from her concurrent work as associate practice director, in this role she will continue to connect clients with multidisciplinary solutions that address complex environmental and infrastructure challenges.

Kyle Johnson was promoted to sustainable development associate practice director. He will support strategic leadership within the practice while continuing to deliver technical expertise and collaborative project solutions for clients throughout the region.

Together, Wright, Shanks and Johnson bring deep experience in solid waste design and planning, hazardous materials, and mine reclamation, services that comprise Herrera's sustainable development practice.

Systems West Engineers

Kelel

Amber Kelel has been promoted to vice president and chief strategy officer at Systems West Engineers (SWE). She is the first woman to hold the vice president role in the firm's history. In this new role, Kelel will guide the firm's strategic direction, identifying where SWE can grow and how it can best serve its clients and communities in the years ahead.

Kelel joined the firm in 2017 to lead marketing and recruitment. She became an associate in 2020, and in 2022 became an associate principal and joined the board of directors. She led the firm's rebrand and website relaunch, built its internal training and career development programs, and reshaped its recruiting approach.

Kelel graduated University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with a B.S. in economics and business administration, and Leadership Eugene-Springfield civic program. She has served on the boards of directors of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Willamalane Park Foundation. She co-chaired the Lane Transit District Community Steering Council and has mentored emerging professionals through SMPS Oregon.

Systems West provides MEP engineering, commissioning, and energy services throughout the Pacific Northwest. Kele is based in the Springfield, OR office.

Mayer/Reed

Morishita

Mayer/Reed has promoted Senior Visual Communications Designer Emily Morishita to associate. Morishita joined Mayer/Reed in 2021 as their first Seattle employee, bringing more than 25 years of experience designing and managing public projects.

She applies her strong interest in designing for the public realm to urban and transportation placemaking and wayfinding systems. Her recent work includes the Pacific Science Center in Seattle, the C Concourse Expansion at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Portland's West End Street Plazas, including Pride Plaza and the Darcelle XV Promenade.

Mayer/Reed, Inc. is a design studio based in Portland, providing landscape architecture, urban design, visual communications and experiential graphics.

Liberty Bank

Morris

Rhonda Morris, the former executive vice president and chief risk officer of Liberty Bank, has joined the Poulsbo-based community bank's board of directors.

Morris recently retired after 13 years with Liberty Bank, and brings 44 years of banking experience to the board. During her career, she held leadership roles spanning internal audit, compliance, information technology, operations, security, human resources and risk management.

Liberty Bank said Morris' appointment allows the organization to retain her institutional knowledge and community banking expertise while continuing her long-standing involvement with the bank and the industry.

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Poulsbo, Liberty Bank serves individuals, families and businesses.

Gesa Credit Union

Don Miller, president and CEO of Gesa Credit Union, has received the 2026 Summit Icon Award from the GoWest Credit Union Association, the organization's highest individual honor.

The award recognizes long-term leadership, advocacy, community impact and commitment to the credit union movement. Miller has spent his entire career at Richland-based Gesa, helping guide its growth from a $100 million institution to one with $6.8 billion in assets and more than 326,000 members.

Miller joined Gesa in a series of executive roles, including chief financial officer, chief operations officer and chief retail officer, before becoming president and CEO in 2013. Under his leadership, the credit union has completed four mergers and acquisitions, including the acquisition of Security State Bank in 2025.

The Summit Icon Award was presented Oct. 9 during the GoWest Credit Union Association's MAXX 2026 conference in Aurora, Colorado. Since 2020, Gesa has invested $22.9 million in Northwest communities, including $5.8 million in 2025.

Stoel Rives

Stoel Rives has elected six attorneys to its partnership, effective Jan. 1, 2027, including five lawyers based in Seattle, Boise and Portland.

“Our newest partners have distinguished themselves through exceptional client service, sound judgment, and a strong commitment to the firm and the communities we serve,” said Melissa Jones, firm managing partner. “This partner class exemplifies the talent, integrity, and collaborative spirit that define our partnership, and we look forward to their continued impact on our clients, colleagues, and communities.”

In Seattle, Evan Brown was elevated to partner in the firm's Construction & Design practice. Brown advises owners, developers, contractors and public agencies on complex public and private construction projects, from contract negotiation through dispute resolution.

Boise gained two new partners. Cory Carone, a commercial litigator, represents companies in complex business disputes involving contracts, fraud claims, noncompete enforcement and other high-stakes matters. Nick Gourley, a corporate attorney, advises businesses on mergers and acquisitions, private equity financings, joint ventures, securities compliance and governance issues.

In Portland, litigators Jacob Goldberg and Kevin Schock also were elected to the partnership. Goldberg focuses on commercial litigation involving securities, corporate governance, trade secrets, privacy and product liability disputes. Schock represents clients in complex commercial disputes, mass torts, intellectual property matters and government investigations.

The promotions are part of a six-member partner class announced by the firm last week. Lauren Neuhaus, an attorney in the Environment, Land Use & Natural Resources practice, is joining from the San Francisco office.

Harborstone Credit Union

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Lakewood-based Harborstone Credit Union has agreed to acquire HUSTL, the all-digital banking platform and brand operated by Arizona's Vantage West Credit Union.

Under a purchase and assumption agreement approved by both institutions' boards, Harborstone will acquire HUSTL's assets and intellectual property and assume the platform's associated deposit liabilities. Existing HUSTL deposit members are expected to become Harborstone members, subject to membership eligibility requirements.

Harborstone said the acquisition will expand its digital banking capabilities and extend its reach among digital-first consumers, including freelancers, gig workers and small-business owners that HUSTL was designed to serve.

“The credit union movement has always been built on collaboration, and this transaction reflects that spirit,” said Geoff Bullock, president and CEO of Harborstone Credit Union. “Vantage West has created an innovative digital platform and product offering in HUSTL that serves consumers in new and meaningful ways, and we're honored to continue that work. Together, we're creating new opportunities to serve members, expand financial access, and demonstrate what's possible when credit unions help credit unions.”

The deal follows Harborstone's recent growth through acquisitions of Seattle-based First Sound Bank in 2024 and Mount Vernon-based SaviBank in 2025, as well as its 2025 merger with Community 1st Credit Union. The credit union now reports approximately $3.2 billion in assets, $2.4 billion in loans and $2.7 billion in deposits.

The transaction is expected to close in December, subject to regulatory and customary approvals. Harborstone was advised by McQueen Financial Advisors and Luse Gorman PC.

Employment Security Department

Gov. Bob Ferguson has presented leadership awards to two Employment Security Department staff.

JR Richards and Jessica Barr earned the Governor's Outstanding Leadership Award, which recognizes managers in state government who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through performance results in the previous year.

Richards is the agency's insurance services director. Under Richards' direction, Employment Security successfully integrated service delivery across its three benefits programs: Unemployment Insurance, Paid Family & Medical Leave and WA Cares.

Her nominator said Richards exemplifies the values of Washington's public sector, making her a standout candidate for the award.

Barr is Employment Security's North Sound regional director. She oversees WorkSource offices in Snohomish, Skagit, Island, Whatcom, Kitsap, Clallam and Jefferson counties.

She has been a driving force behind statewide improvements at WorkSource offices in her region, directly resulting in better service for customers in several key areas. Her nominator said she demonstrates that leadership is not about authority, but about service, relationships and results.”

Olson Kundig

McLaughlin

Marshall

Goodner

Fritz

Druse

Savage

Olson Kundig has promoted the following to senior associate: Eric Druse, Alex Fritz, Scott Goodner, Megan Marshall, Kelsey McLaughlin and Chris Savage.