Apr 21, 2005

Ater Wynne

Portland-based law firm Ater Wynne added lawyers in its three offices. Joe Bowen is of counsel to the Indian Law Group in Seattle. He works with tribes to identify trade-development opportunities, including NAFTA and related tax exemptions. Akana Ma is of counsel to the global trade and intellectual property group in Portland office. His practice includes international joint ventures, and licensing and protection of technology. Rukaiyah Adams is an associate in the business group in the Menlo Park, Calif., office and provides strategic business advice.

Parker Smith & Feek

Bellevue-based insurance brokerage Parker, Smith & Feek appointed Chuck Szopa chairman of the board and Gregory Collins chief executive officer.

Szopa will continue to manage Alaska operations for the company, which he joined when he opened its Anchorage office in 1986. Collins has been in management for almost as long, working with larger clients on environmental liability issues in real estate transfers. He was chief operating officer before being promoted to president.

Grant County PUD

Grant County Public Utility District named Nickolai (Nick) Gerde treasurer controller. Gerde is now chief financial officer for the district. Gerde has more than 30 years of financial and accounting management experience with public and private companies. Gerde was vice president of finance and chief financial officer for Impco Technologies, an alternative fuel systems technology company. Grant County PUD owns and operates two dams on the Columbia River in central Washington.

Apr 20, 2005

Childhaven

The Seattle nonprofit Childhaven recently opened a Lake City branch. The group provides therapeutic child care for abused and at-risk infants and preschool children. The new branch is in a leased facility, with four classrooms serving 300 children each day. Childhaven President Debra Ronnholm said the group had concerns about lack of service for young children and families in the North End of Seattle.

UW Bothell

The University of Washington, Bothell, appointed Steven G. Olswang interim chancellor. Warren Buck, who has been UWB Chancellor for six years, last month announced he will return to teaching. Olswang was University of Washington's vice provost for international education and was most recently interim chancellor at UW Tacoma. Olswang's appointment is subject to board approval.

Peterson Russell Kelly

Peterson Russell Kelly announced that James A. Wexler has joined the firm as of counsel. Over the past 34 years, Wexler has developed an extensive background in admiralty, fisheries, maritime and international law and business. Most recently he served as chairman, chief executive officer and general counsel of SeaHAVN, Ltd.

Apr 19, 2005

Holland & Knight

Commercial law firm Holland & Knight partner Joanie Kim is now deputy executive partner of the company's Seattle office. Kim practices corporate law, securities, and mergers and acquisitions. Holland & Knight has 26 offices in the United States and others offices in Mexico City, Tokyo and Beijing.

The Golf Club at Newcastle

The Golf Club at Newcastle named Katrin Wieland operations controller. Chris Ritchie is now the club's golf director and will oversee training and tournaments. Ritchie started his career in the golf industry with Seattle-based golf club manufacturer Redbird Sports. Brent Larkin is director of food and beverage. Larkin's 14 years of restaurant and hotel management experience include work at Hyatt Regency facilities in Bellevue, Chicago and Sacramento.

Lynnwood Convention Center

Lynnwood Convention Center appointed Tracey Morrison accounting manager. She will plan budgets, and oversee payroll and human resources. The 55,000-square-foot Lynnwood Convention Center is at the intersection of 196th Street Southwest and 37th Avenue West.