Jul 07, 2026

Seattle Art Museum

Feltens

The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) announced the appointment of Frank Feltens as its new Susan Brotman Chief Curator. An internationally respected curator, scholar and museum leader, Feltens joins SAM from the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art, where he most recently served as Associate Director for Curatorial Affairs and Curator of Japanese Art. He will begin his new role at SAM Aug. 17.

As chief curator, Feltens will lead SAM's Curatorial division, shaping the museum's collections, exhibitions, publications and long-term artistic vision across its three sites: the Seattle Art Museum, Seattle Asian Art Museum and Olympic Sculpture Park. Working closely with Illsley Ball Nordstrom Director and CEO Scott Stulen and museum leadership, he will oversee exhibition planning, collection strategy, acquisitions, scholarly initiatives, and a team of curators representing SAM's globally recognized collections.

Feltens joins SAM after a decade at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art, where he helped guide the museum's curatorial strategy and organizational transformation while continuing to build an internationally recognized scholarly career in Japanese art. As associate director for Curatorial Affairs, he co-led one of the world's premier Asian art museums, overseeing curatorial teams, strategic planning, and major collection initiatives as the institution entered its second century.

Jul 02, 2026

Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator

The Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator (CSAA) has appointed Jake Gentry as its executive director. Gentry, who helped form the organization three years ago, will lead CSAA's efforts to make the Pacific Northwest the global center of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production.

CSAA was formally launched in January 2026 with backing from a Washington state appropriation and more than $10 million in private philanthropic investment. It has assembled a broad coalition of aviation industry leaders, research institutions, Tribal representatives, policymakers, and sustainability advocates united around a single goal: scaling locally produced, low-carbon SAF to one billion gallons annually by 2035.

Gentry will oversee CSAA's full portfolio of initiatives, including feedstock and supply chain development, offtake strategy, shared research and development infrastructure, clean energy integration, and policy advocacy. He builds on a coalition that includes Alaska Airlines, Amazon, Boeing, Washington State University, Snohomish County, Earth Finance, Microsoft, the Port of Seattle and the Washington State Department of Commerce, among others.

He will also oversee the Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Institute, an innovative research and development facility at Paine Field in Snohomish County. The institute will house researchers from Washington State University and other academic institutions to test and analyze SAF, scaling the scientific advancement and speeding adoption timelines. The institute will open in a temporary facility this summer.

Jul 01, 2026

Hensel Phelps

Hickernell

Lehrman-Schmid

Franssen

Hensel Phelps recently announced promotions of three employees in the Pacific Northwest Region.

Richard Franssen has been promoted to operations manager. Franssen has been with Hensel Phelps for over 20 years and has supported a diverse portfolio totaling more than $4.6 billion across a wide range of markets, including aviation, transportation, healthcare and hospitality. He has also contributed to correctional and civic facilities. Most recently, Franssen played a key leadership role on Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)'s SEA Gateway project, helping guide the team through execution and delivery. The Alaska Airlines-led project reached substantial completion just in time to support increased travel demand during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Kabri Lehrman-Schmid has been promoted to general superintendent. In addition to co-founding Build with Pride Seattle, she has received numerous honors throughout her career, including: 2023 BD+C 40 Under 40; 2023 ENR Top 20 Under 40; 2023 ENR Northwest Top Young Professional; 2022 AGC Washington Rising Star; 2019 Top 20 Outstanding Women in Construction by Construction Business Owner and the 2019 Washington Women in Trades Award. During her 19-year career with Hensel Phelps, she has worked across multiple markets, including aviation, higher education, research/laboratories, federal, civic and correctional facilities.

Jim Hickernell has been promoted to general superintendent. Hickernell has been with Hensel Phelps for 18 years and has contributed to projects totaling more than $3.5 billion in value. His experience spans data centers, aviation, research/laboratories, healthcare and civic and correctional facilities. Hickernell also played an integral role in the successful delivery of the SEA Gateway/North Main Terminal Redevelopment project, contributing to field leadership and project execution. The project was successfully delivered using a progressive design-build approach and was completed ahead of schedule and under budget, with zero claims or litigation. Hickernell supported field execution efforts that helped minimize impacts to ongoing operations and contributed to a strong safety record, including zero serious lost-time injuries.

Hensel Phelps is a 100% employee-owned general contracting company founded in 1937. The firm delivers planning, building and management services across a wide range of markets nationwide.

Dykeman Architects

Crochet

Dominguez Rojo

Somani

McCabe

Opoku

The following people have recently joined the Dykeman team.

Nke Opoku brings a background in design and interest in community-centered spaces. With experience gained through academic work and internships, she joins Dykeman in support of K-12 education projects.

Crystal McCabe brings experience in talent acquisition, human resources, and business operations. At Dykeman, she contributes to the firm's operations and helps support its people and continued growth.

Fenil Somani joins Dykeman in support of K-12 education work, bringing experience across residential and community-focused projects, along with a strong foundation in design development and project coordination.

Sofia Dominguez Rojo brings a strong interest in sustainable, community-based design and a thoughtful approach shaped by her academic background which she will use in K-12 education projects.

Sarah Crochet brings a broad range of architectural experience and a strong commitment to sustainable, accessible, and community-focused design. She too comes to Dykeman to support K-12 education projects.

Jun 30, 2026

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories

Quintanilla

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) has named Jesse Quintanilla vice president of property. He succeeds Jana Schultheis, who retired from the company in June.

In this role, Quintanilla will oversee all SEL property holdings, including more than 2 million square feet of owned and leased space across 109 offices worldwide. He will direct the SEL property management team, which leads the design and construction of new SEL buildings, and the facilities team, which provides maintenance and operational support for all properties.

Quintanilla joined SEL in 2005 as an accountant and has held roles of increasing responsibility, including finance manager, finance director and director of business operations. In his most recent role, he led the global panel business unit, which integrates SEL technology into enclosure panels used in protection and automation solutions. Prior to joining SEL, Quintanilla worked for Motley-Motley, a regional construction company.

Quintanilla has a bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting from Washington State University and a master's degree in business administration from the University of Idaho. He serves on the Accounting Academic Advisory Board for the University of Idaho and the International Business Advisory Board for Washington State University.

SEL invents, designs and builds digital products and systems that protect power grids around the world.

Jun 26, 2026

Lynnwood Public Facilities District

The Lynnwood City Council is seeking community leaders to serve on the Lynnwood Public Facilities District (PFD) Board of Directors, a volunteer position that plays a vital role in shaping the future of the Lynnwood Event Center and its surrounding 13-acre district.

The PFD is actively planning the redevelopment of its 13 acres which includes upgrades to the Event Center, new retail and dining destinations, an on-site hotel, housing and public park spaces. The revitalization efforts will make the property an innovative destination to experience unique and authentic arts, culture, and entertainment events.

The city says that a future board member “shall be a steward of the city and understand the economic potential the area brings to South Snohomish County.” The PFD is seeking individuals with knowledge in areas such as commercial real estate, hospitality, event management, economic development, community planning and finance.

Interested candidates should submit a nomination from an organization, business or individual, along with a letter of interest and a resume. Interviews with Lynnwood City Council are expected to take place Aug. 10 at 6 p.m. The nomination form can be completed online: http://LynnwoodWA.gov/PFDBoard

Jun 25, 2026

Kidder Mathews

Hagen

Kidder Mathews announced its recent hiring of Eric Hagen, who’ll join the retail team led by David Gellner. He makes the move from Mattis Partners. Kidder’s Will Frame said in a statement, “Eric is a strong addition to an already high-performing team. His market knowledge, energy and commitment to serving clients make him a great fit.” Gellner added, “His addition strengthens our ability to serve clients and pursue new opportunities, while maintaining the level of service they expect.”

F5

Munroe

F5 Inc. appointed Gavin Munroe to its board of directors. Munroe will serve as a member of the board's Audit and Risk committees.

He brings more than 25 years of technology leadership experience, having served in leading technology roles at some of the world's leading financial services firms.

Munroe most recently served as chief information officer and transformation head at Commonwealth Bank of Australia, where he led technology modernization, AI enablement, data and analytics, and operational resiliency. Prior to this, he served as global chief information officer at HSBC — Wealth, Private and Retail Banking. He has also held technology leadership roles at Bank of America/Merrill Lynch, Synechron, and Saxon (a division of Morgan Stanley).

Munroe earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Port Elizabeth.

With this appointment, F5's board expands to 10 members, nine of whom are independent.