Jun 10, 2026

Patrick Hardwoods

Gray

Patrick Lumber Company, a century-old lumber wholesaler and specialty wood supplier, promoted Mark Gray to president of Patrick Hardwoods, a new premium hardwoods business the company launched last year. After more than a decade spent shaping the strategic direction of the Patrick Lumber family of companies, Gray is well-equipped to lead and support Patrick Hardwoods' growing reputation in the Pacific Northwest hardwood market, the company said.

“Mark has spent more than a decade across our trading and manufacturing operations,” said Natalie Heacock, president of Patrick Lumber. “He knows where specialty wood creates value, and he'll put that knowledge to work building Patrick Hardwoods' position in the Pacific Northwest.”

A graduate of Gonzaga University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics and Finance, Gray joined Patrick Lumber in 2013 and has held a range of leadership positions across the company's trading and manufacturing operations. Most recently, he served as the vice president of Patrick Lumber Manufacturing. When PLC established Patrick Hardwoods in 2025, expanding into premium local hardwoods, Gray was central to its formation and early direction. Today, he brings the same tenacity and drive to his latest role as president of Patrick Hardwoods.

Patrick Hardwoods operates out of a dedicated hardwood mill at the company's Philomath, Oregon campus, manufacturing a range of Pacific Northwest hardwood species, including an unconventional longer-length alder that exceeds the industry's typical 12-foot standard.

May 29, 2026

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) announced the recipients of the SEL Scholarship Program for the 2026–27 academic year. This year, SEL awarded 15 scholarships — 13 valued at $5,000 and two at $2,500 — to outstanding students pursuing degrees in engineering and applied technology.

In addition to financial support, the SEL Scholarship Program reflects the long-standing commitment of SEL to education, innovation and empowering the next generation of engineers and technologists. By investing in students who demonstrate both technical promise and strong character, SEL aims to support future leaders who will help make electric power safer, more reliable and more economical.

Meet the scholars:

Bhavana Shree Pothuri, electrical engineering, Texas A&M University

Laura Harris, computer engineering, University of Idaho

Miram Elag, electrical engineering, Purdue University

Mason Heiner, electrical engineering, University of Idaho

Andrew Hunt, electrical engineering, Washington State University

Roslynn Movius, electrical engineering technology, Lewis-Clark State College

William Ingels, computer engineering, Michigan Technological University

Silas Smith, computer engineering, Colorado School of Mines

Jared McCrory, engineering, Whitworth University

Charles Liu, computer science, Washington State University

Chiagoziem Nzewi, electrical engineering, Drexel University

Mame Diop, electrical engineering, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Scott Sagen, electrical engineering, Boise State University

Kolby Uhlenkott, electrical engineering, Montana Technological University

Micah Spencer, robotics and communications systems engineering technology, Idaho State University

SEL invents, designs and builds digital products and systems that protect power grids around the world. This technology prevents blackouts and enables customers to improve power system reliability, safety and cost. SEL, a 100% employee-owned company that is headquartered in Pullman, has manufactured products in the United States since 1984 and now serves customers in 174 countries. SEL provides unmatched technical support, customer service and a 10-year worldwide warranty.

May 28, 2026

Skanska

Gabales

Skanska, a global construction and development firm, has hired Ivi Gabales as senior director-business development strategist for its Seattle office. Gabales brings nearly 20 years of experience across architecture, engineering, marketing and business development leadership in the architecture, engineering and construction industry, including roles at Rice Fergus Miller, Glumac and BCRA, as well as leading her own AEC consulting practice.

In her new role, Gabales will lead strategic business development initiatives focused on strengthening client relationships, expanding market opportunities, and supporting long-term growth across key sectors in the Pacific Northwest.

“Ivi's experience across the AEC industry, combined with her strong relationships throughout the region, makes her an important addition to our team,” said Don Kowalchuk, executive vice president and general manager, Skanska USA Building in Seattle. “She brings the strategic mindset and market understanding needed to help us build on our momentum in Seattle and identify new opportunities across the Pacific Northwest.”

Gabales began her career as an architect before moving into marketing and business development leadership.

Gabales holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of the Philippines and serves on the boards of the Seattle Architecture Foundation and the Filipino American Construction Professionals of the Northwest (FACPROS).