Apr 25, 2003

Willis Group Holdings

New York-based global insurance broker Willis Group Holdings Limited promoted Chris Engstrom, formerly chief executive officer of the Seattle office, to regional executive officer of the Pacific Northwest region, and Chuck Leinas, formerly senior vice president, has been promoted to chief executive officer of the Seattle office. Both Engstrom and Leinas joined Willis in 2001. Engstrom previously was with Seattle-based Eagle Insurance Companies and Leinas was with Johnson & Higgins/Marsh.

Showplace Design & Remodeling

Beverly Staal of Showplace Design & Remodeling won second place in the large bathroom category for her design entry in the 2003 National Kitchen & Bath Association competition. Showplace Design & Remodeling is based in Redmond.

Women's University Club

The Women's University Club of Seattle announced the inaugural recipients of its Brava Award: Virginia L. Anderson, executive director of the Seattle Center; Rita Ryder, executive director of the King and Snohomish County YWCA; and Francia Russell, artistic director/school director of the Pacific Northwest Ballet. The award will be presented annually to three women who have made "profound and positive changes" in the greater Seattle area.

Cole & Weber/Red Cell

Cole & Weber/Red Cell named Valerie Paquin assistant account executive and Alison Montgomery project manager in its Seattle office and Drew Tyndell art director and Steve Hawley account executive its Portland office. Paquin previously was an account coordinator for Think Seattle. Hawley was with Nerve, Inc. Tyndell recently studied at the Ringling School of Art & Design in Florida. Cole & Weber/Red Cell is a full-service marketing agency with offices in Seattle and Portland.

Apr 23, 2003

Intercommunity Mercy Housing

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, through its Sound Families Initiative, has awarded Intercommunity Mercy Housing $962,500. The money will be used to support development of 35 units of transitional housing and provide related case management services in Snohomish and Pierce counties. Sound Families, a partnership between the foundation, King, Pierce and Snohomish counties, and the cities of Everett, Seattle and Tacoma, is a $40 million initiative of the Gates Foundation to help families in transition out of homelessness.

American Diabetes Association

The American Diabetes Association research program awarded Vincent Poitout, DVM, PhD, of the Pacific Northwest Research Institute, a Thomas R. Lee Career Development Award for his study of fatty acid metabolism and insulin secretion. The award supports investigators who are establishing their independence and are poised to make significant contributions to diabetes research. The American Diabetes Association funds research aimed at preventing and curing diabetes.

Puget Sound Blood Center

Lucy Homans and H. Mason Sizemore have been named to the Puget Sound Blood Center board of trustees. Homans, currently director of professional affairs with the Washington State Psychological Association, was named chair of the board, replacing Lee Norman M.D., who was chairman for the past two years. Sizemore is the former Seattle Times president and chief operating officer.

Cognigen Networks

Seattle's Cognigen Networks appointed Gary L. Cook treasurer and chief financial officer. He will replace David G. Lucas who will continue as controller of Cognigen's subsidiary, Cognigen Switching Technologies. Cook has been a financial consultant to various public and nonpublic companies and has been a member of Cognigen's board of directors since October 2002. Cognigen Networks markets telecommunication services and related technology products.

Davis Wright Tremaine

Davis Wright Tremaine's New York office will add six partners and four associates from the New York firm of Kay & Boose, which is closing. Joining the New York office are: R. Andrew Boose, David P. Callahan, M. Graham Coleman, Nancy J. Felsten, Leonard Orkin, Marcia B. Paul, Robert J. Driscoll, Lance Koonce, Teena H. Lee and James Rosenfeld.