Sep 20, 2023

AIA Seattle

Glosecki

Ovsak

Weaver

Smith

Hutchins

Yi Li

AIA Seattle has welcomed six new board members who have either been elected to return or fill open seats on the board of directors for the term that began Sept. 1. The board members are: Matt Hutchins (president-elect); Mitch Smith (director of development); Kara Weaver (affiliate director of professional practice); Laura Ovsak (director of professional practice); Dylan Glosecki (director of public policy); and Nicole Yi Li (emerging professional, appointed and non-voting member).

Farallon Consulting

Ruth

Environmental consulting firm Farallon Consulting announced the appointment of Jeff Ruth as its new chief operating officer, effective Sept. 11.

Ruth has served in various leadership roles in the aerospace, air transport, and defense industries prior to joining Farallon, and has extensive experience in operational excellence and process improvement. Ruth developed his leadership and operational skills through a 32-year career with the U.S. Navy, where he rose to the rank of Rear Admiral before retiring. He was a five-time commanding officer of units that include the 11-state Navy Region Northwest, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, and an electronic attack squadron.

He earned a master of business administration from Colorado State University, a master of science in aeronautical engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School, and a bachelor of science in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, the U.S. Navy Nuclear Power School, and the Naval School of Aviation Safety.

As COO, Ruth will oversee Farallon's day-to-day operations, lead strategic initiatives, and work closely with the executive team to further enhance the firm's reputation for delivering high-quality environmental consulting services to clients nationwide.

Sep 13, 2023

DeForest Architects

Kelly

Donovan

Nordquist

DeForest Architects announced that Melissa Nordquist and Rosie Donovan have been promoted to the role of principal, and Meredith Kelly has been named an associate.

Nordquist is a graduate of Harvard's Graduate School of Design and Williams College. In her time at DeForest, she has managed large teams on complex projects and focused on marketing and business development. As principal, she will strengthen her focus on business development and connecting with clients to further tailor the firm's services to their needs.

Donovan earned her undergraduate and master of architecture degrees from the University of Washington. She has led some of the firm's most successful projects and been instrumental in building firm culture and systems. As principal, her focus on people and firm culture will be vital to creating amazing places and experiences for clients.

Kelly received her master of architecture degree from the University of Washington, relocating to Seattle from her native Chicago. In addition to leading projects, she has played a key role in the firm's social media presence as well as hiring and internal best practices. As associate, Kelly's responsibilities will also include developing office resources and professional development.