Mar 06, 2026

Western Specialty Contractors

Western Specialty Contractors has been sold to employees through an ESOP. ButcherJoseph & Co. served as the exclusive financial advisor on the transaction, Founded in 1915, Western is a century-old company with a national footprint and a reputation for technical excellence across restoration and specialty construction. The ESOP ensures long-term continuity, preserves the company's independence, and aligns ownership with the employees who have driven Western's growth for more than 100 years.

ButcherJoseph & Co. Director Rick Hennessey noted that Western is “a textbook example of a company whose culture and values align naturally with employee ownership.”

Western CEO Ben Bishop Jr. said the move “recognizes the contributions of our employees in a meaningful way while positioning the company for long-term stability and growth.”

The transaction provides Western with a tax-advantaged structure that supports continued investment in operations, leadership development, and strategic growth initiatives.

Cairncross & Hempelmann

Cairncross & Hempelmann announced that Duncan Greene has joined the firm's Land Use & Zoning Group, further strengthening its capabilities in land use, zoning, and development matters across the Puget Sound region.

Duncan brings over 20 years of experience advising property owners, developers and businesses on complex land use and permitting issues, including project entitlements, regulatory compliance, and navigating local approval processes. His practice focuses on helping clients move projects efficiently from planning through approval, with strategic guidance grounded in a deep understanding of Washington's regulatory framework.

“With more than two decades of experience advising clients on complex land use, environmental and regulatory issues, Duncan is an exciting new addition to our land use team,” said Randall Olsen, Cairncross & Hempelmann partner and Land Use & Zoning Practice group leader. “He expands our capabilities and shares our commitment to providing exceptional service to our clients.”

Mar 05, 2026

LMC Construction

Newcombe

LMC Construction has appointed Dale Newcombe as vice president, Washington Market. Bringing 43 years of construction and development experience, Newcombe will lead strategic growth across Washington, strengthen client partnerships, and support the expansion of LMC's ongoing presence.

He previously spent more than two decades with Walsh Construction in Tacoma, serving in leadership roles and guiding housing and mixed-use projects. Newcombe also contributes to community initiatives as a board member-elect for the Tacoma/Pierce County Affordable Housing Consortium. “Dale understands the Washington market and the people who shape it, and that makes him a strong addition to our team,” said Chris Duffin, President & CEO of LMC. “His steady support of mentorship and community work reflects what we value at LMC.”

Tacoma Neighborhood & Community Services

Esparza

Tacoma City Council confirmed Toni Esparza as the new Neighborhood & Community Services Director. Esparza has more than 25 years of leadership experience in human services, youth development, community safety, and equity-centered systems change. She will step into her new role at the city of Tacoma on March 23, following her tenure as assistant director of the city of Bellevue's Parks and Community Services Department.

The Neighborhood & Community Services Department works to build healthy and successful neighborhoods and households through leading community problem solving, funding human services, and partnering with community members to facilitate safe, clean, and attractive neighborhoods.

Tacoma Public Utility Board

Tacoma City Council is currently seeking applicants to fill a position on the Public Utility Board.

The Public Utility Board is comprised of five members who are nominated by the Government Performance and Finance Committee and appointed by a majority vote of the city council. The membership term is five years and is composed of Tacoma residents.

The Public Utility Board acts as the governing body for Tacoma Public Utilities and oversees the management and operation of Tacoma Public Utilities, which includes Tacoma Power, Tacoma Water, and Tacoma Rail.

Applications must be submitted to the City Clerk's Office by noon on March 25 at: http://tacoma.gov/cbcapplication

Mar 04, 2026

Sellen Construction

Weymouth

Richardson

Harth_

Dennis

Sellen Construction recently announced four new project executives who are serving as senior relationship leaders and strategic partners to clients:

Shanna Dennis, project executive, SVP, is a seasoned healthcare leader and will continue to lead Sellen's healthcare projects and accounts.

Travis Harth, project executive, VP, has served as senior director of Special Projects and will continue to lead and scale Sellen's tenant improvement business, expanding the team's ability to meet a wide range of client needs.

Peter Richardson, project executive, VP, has delivered some of Sellen's largest and most complex corporate and civic projects, and will now also serve clients in K-12 education and the public sector.

Nick Weymouth, project executive, SVP, has led some of Sellen's most complex and high-profile corporate projects and will continue to serve clients across corporate campus, high-rise office and other key markets.

Mar 03, 2026

Skanska USA Building

Marsh

Global construction and development firm Skanska announced that Eric Marsh has been promoted to vice president — account manager.

In his new role, which includes working with clients from the Puget Sound region to the Inland Northwest, Marsh will continue his work with higher education clients including Washington State University and Seattle University, while also assuming leadership of Skanska's Boeing, Sound Transit and Port of Seattle accounts.

“Eric has consistently demonstrated a strong ability to deliver value to our clients while building high-performing teams,” said Lew Guerrette, executive vice president and general manager, Skanska USA Building in Seattle.

March joined Skanska in 2013. His work includes leadership on projects such as Microsoft Building 83, Washington State University Plant Sciences, Seattle University CSI, and Seagen Launch Pad. His experience spans multiple market sectors, including life sciences, higher education, corporate commercial, residential high-rise, federal and aviation work.

Marsh holds a B.S. in Construction Management from Washington State University.

Skanska in the U.S. operates 28 offices across the country, with its headquarters in New York City. In 2025, its U.S. development and construction streams generated $8.7 billion in revenue.

Visit Seattle

Visit Seattle, the official destination marketing organization for Seattle and King County, announced the appointment of Marco Leal as the organization's first vice president of destination development, a newly established senior leadership role designed to elevate Seattle's visibility and long-term vitality as a premier global destination. “Marco's global expertise and proven ability to build collaborative, high-impact destination strategies make him the ideal person to lead Seattle's next chapter of tourism growth, innovation, and community partnership,” said Tammy Canavan, President & CEO of Visit Seattle.

Leal's role includes expanding and the membership base; advancing domestic and international travel trade relationships; strengthening alignment with SEA Airport's expansion and route development initiatives; and elevating visitor services, including growth of the Seattle Certified Tourism Ambassador program. He will serve on Visit Seattle's senior leadership team, helping shape the organization's strategy and impact across Seattle and King County.

Leal most recently served as deputy chief executive officer at Concacaf, where he led regional operations, destination-level strategies, and major events across 41 national markets. Leal holds a Juris Doctor and a Bachelor of Juridical and Social Sciences and has completed executive education in Finance and Accounting at Columbia Business School, along with advanced executive leadership and management programs through FIFA. He serves as an Arbitrator for the Court of Arbitration for Sport and is fluent in English and Spanish.