Dec 10, 2002

PCA

Puckett

The Portland Cement Association has appointed Ryan M. Puckett as manager of media relations. Puckett is responsible for communicating news, current developments and other information affecting the cement and construction industries. He previously worked for Publicis Dialog, a public relations agency. He holds a master's degree in integrated marketing communications from Northwestern University and a bachelor's degree in marketing from Indiana University. The Skokie, Ill.-based association represents cement companies in the United States and Canada.

Washington CeaseFire

Laura Lockard joined Washington CeaseFire as executive director. Most recently, Lockard was partner and general manager at the Seattle public affairs firm RF & A. She was also press secretary for Greg Nichols during his 2001 mayoral campaign. Washington CeaseFire is a statewide organization focused on gun safety.

Port of Tacoma

The Port of Tacoma named Lou Paulsen as director of maintenance. Paulsen is a 14-year Port of Tacoma veteran, most recently serving a dual role as director of risk management and security, and as the interim director of maintenance. Paulsen will oversee all port maintenance activities, including facilities, cranes, straddle carriers and mobile equipment.

Seattle Aquarium

The Educational Legacy Fund of Bellevue awarded the Seattle Aquarium $15,000 to enhance the aquarium’s teen naturalist volunteer program for 2003. The program trains youth 16-18 years to serve as volunteers at the aquarium. Volunteers answer questions, give talks and tours, and participate in storytelling. An orientation for interested teens is scheduled for Feb. 22, 2003. Contact the aquarium’s information line at (206) 386-4320, option 6 for information.

United Way of King County

United Way of King County has volunteer opportunities listed at its Web site: http://www.unitedwayofkingcounty.org/volunteer/opps. Visitors can search the site for opportunities by interest, geographic location and skills needed, or call for more information at (206) 461-6906.

Microsoft

Microsoft named Ken DiPietro as its new vice president of human resources. DiPietro will join the company in January when he will replace current senior vice president of human resources Deborah Willingham who will retire in February. DiPietro's experience includes positions with Dell Computer and PepsiCo. He was most recently senior vice president of human resources at Pepsi-Cola International.

Dec 09, 2002

Experian

Experian of Costa Mesa, Calif., has acquired four credit bureaus to act as regional affiliates. Local bureaus acquired include Credit Data Idaho, of Boise; Credit Data Resources of Spokane; and Credit Bureau of Pocatello, of Pocatello, Idaho. Experian is a subsidiary of GUS plc, with headquarters in Nottingham, U.K.

OT

David Gregson has joined OT as vice president of sales. Gregson's most recently served as vice president and managing director of the western region for Ralston Purina. OT, based in Seattle, designs, manufacture and markets pet care, outdoor and auto-related products. Gregson will work with the company's line of utility steps for SUVs, called Twistep.

Nordstrom

Nordstrom plans to close its Nordstrom Rack store at Franklin Mills in Philadelphia. The 43,000-square-foot location will close in January due to lack of sales. Nordstrom currently operates 143 stores in 27 states.

MatchLight Software

MatchLight Software appointed Mark Ippolito president and CEO, and announced a partner agreement with the photography, design and marketing communications firm, JohnsonRauhoff. Ippolito's previous experience includes positions with PhotoDisc/Getty and Corbis. MatchLight offers a collection of location background images and a realistic image compositing system for digital artists. The company is privately held and based in Bellevue.