May 19, 2023

StanCorp Financial Group

Barkouli

Kaye

Portland-based StanCorp Financial Group, and primary operating subsidiary Standard Insurance Company appointed Mark Kaye and Al Barkouli to their boards of directors. Kaye is executive vice president and chief financial officer of Moody's Corporation, a global provider of credit rating opinions, integrated risk assessment insights and tools for financial risk measurement and management. Prior to that, he was chief financial officer for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company U.S. Barkouli is chairman and chief executive officer of David Evans and Associates, a professional services consulting firm and its parent company, David Evans Enterprises. Prior to his current role, he held several positions with David Evans and Associates including president and chief operating officer. StanCorp's subsidiaries offer group and individual disability insurance, group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, group dental and group vision insurance, absence management and paid family leave services, retirement plans products and services, individual annuities, origination and servicing of fixed-rate commercial mortgage loans and investment advice.

Glowforge

Seattle-based Glowforge announced it has raised an additional $20 million in Series E funds, bringing its total financing to $135 million. Returning investors DFJ Growth and Foundry Group co-led the round, which saw additional funding from Revolution Growth and True Ventures, also returning investors. Glowforge will use the funding to accelerate innovation and expand product offerings and services. The financing comes on the heels of the company's launch of Magic Canvas, which uses generative AI to create physical products. Glowforge is the creator of a 3D laser printer that cuts, engraves, and scores hundreds of materials, including wood, leather, acrylic, paper, fabric – even chocolate. It was founded in 2015 by Dan Shapiro, chief executive officer, and Mark Gosselin, chief technology officer.

Tasso

Tasso, a provider of patient-centric, clinical-grade blood collection solutions, has been recommended for certification from the Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP), under which a single regulatory audit of a medical device manufacturer may satisfy the requirements of multiple regulatory jurisdictions participating in the program. The certification confirms Tasso's compliance with the standards and regulatory requirements of Australia, Canada and the United States, opening potential new global markets for Tasso. Tasso completed its audit on February 16, 2023. Once received, the certification also can streamline the process of reaching additional markets covered under the MDSAP, including Brazil and Japan. The company previously received U.S. Food and Drug Administration Class II medical device clearance. Audits are conducted by auditing organizations authorized by the participating regulatory authorities to audit under MDSAP requirements. Headquartered in Seattle, Tasso is privately held and funded by grants, investments and co-development deals with various industry leaders.

May 18, 2023

Alderwood Water & Wastewater District

McClellan

After a six-month recruitment process, John McClellan was selected as the Alderwood Water & Wastewater District's new general manager. The district's board of commissioners unanimously agreed to promote McClellan, who served as interim general manager for the past six months. McClellan is a licensed professional engineer with a long career in the public sector, including 15 years with Everett Public Works. McClellan joined AWWD in 2017 as engineering and development director. He also volunteers as the chair of King County's Metropolitan Water Pollution Abatement Advisory Committee. AWWD is a Washington special purpose district, providing water and wastewater services to southwest Snohomish County. Founded in 1931, it says it's the largest special purpose water and sewer district in the state.

Emerald Communities

Feddersen

Emerald Communities, a not-for-profit senior housing and service organization serving Emerald Heights in Redmond and Heron's Key in Gig Harbor, hired Denisa Feddersen as corporate controller. Feddersen will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of accounting including financial reporting, audits, actuarial studies, payroll and financial analysis. Feddersen previously worked as vice president of finance and corporate controller at a senior living community in California. She also has experience as a CPA auditor and tax professional. She earned an MBA from St. Mary's College, a bachelor's degree in accounting from San Francisco State University, an MIT executive certificate in management and leadership, and her CPA license. With the hiring of Feddersen and the recent promotion of Michelle Wood to vice president of operations, the Emerald Communities executive leadership team is now comprised entirely of women.

PRR

Communications agency PRR hired Kyana Wheeler as senior director of diversity, equity and inclusion. Wheeler has 20 years of DEI experience including systems analysis, group facilitation, anti-racist leadership development, and policy impact analysis that includes more than seven years of consulting experience. With a focus on organizational change through an anti-racist lens, Wheeler works with large, complex organizations to embed institutional practices that create sustainable change and develop infrastructure that supports conversations about systems of oppression. Wheeler will lead PRR's DEI practice focusing on external equity efforts and working with clients to facilitate anti-racist work. She also joins PRR's Management and Client Services Leadership teams. Wheeler previously was deputy manager of the Race and Social Justice Initiative for the city of Seattle. PRR has offices in Seattle; Portland; Washington, D.C.; Norfolk, Virginia; and Baltimore.

May 17, 2023

Emerald Communities

Emerald Communities, a not-for-profit senior housing organization serving Emerald Heights in Redmond and Gig Harbor's Heron's Key, recently hired Denisa Feddersen as their new corporate controller.

As corporate controller, Feddersen will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of accounting including financial reporting, audits, actuarial studies, payroll, and financial analysis. Feddersen will ensure financial management for Emerald Communities, which encompasses Emerald Heights and Heron's Key.

Feddersen comes to Emerald Communities with an extensive background in senior living. She previously worked as the vice president of finance and corporate controller at a senior living community based in Calif. She also has experience as a CPA auditor and tax professional.

She has earned an MBA from St. Mary's College, a Bachelor of Science in accounting from San Francisco State University, an MIT executive certificate in management and leadership, and her CPA license.

PRR

PRR announced that Kyana Wheeler has joined the agency as the Senior Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

Wheeler has 20 years of DEI experience in anti-racism data and measurements, systems analysis, group facilitation, anti-racist leadership development, and policy impact analysis that includes more than seven years of consulting experience.

In her leadership role as Senior Director of DEI, Wheeler will lead PRR's DEI practice focusing on external equity efforts and working with clients to facilitate anti-racist work. She also joins PRR's Management and Client Services Leadership teams.

Prior to joining PRR, Wheeler served as Deputy Manager of the Race and Social Justice Initiative for the City of Seattle.