Jan 15, 2019

NBS Financial Services

Jeffrey Ballaine joined Norris, Beggs & Simpson Financial Services as a vice president for the Seattle loan origination team. Ballaine has nearly 25 years of experience in commercial mortgage banking, and was a loan originator and vice president at Hunt Real Estate Capital in Seattle. NBS provides commercial real estate capital.

Technology Alliance

Former state legislator Laura Ruderman is the new CEO of Seattle-based Technology Alliance. Ruderman was interim PAC director for Children's Campaign Fund after her term in the House of Representatives. The nonprofit Technology Alliance advances education, research and entrepreneurship to support high-impact industries, high-wage jobs and economic prosperity.

CWU

Central Washington University hired Joe Ritchie as campus executive chef. Ritchie opened and was chef at Goldfinch Tavern in the Four Seasons Hotel Seattle. Prior to that, he was a chef at Ethan Stowell's Mkt. restaurant in Seattle, Poppy in Seattle, Cave B Estate Winery & Resort in Quincy, and The Herbfarm in Woodinville. CWU is revamping its dining program.

Tacoma Municipal Court

Dwayne L. Christopher is a new Tacoma Municipal Court judge and will preside over Courtroom 134. Christopher was elected in November and will be sworn in this week. The court hears criminal offenses, and traffic and parking infractions.

Jan 11, 2019

Port of Seattle

Stephanie Bowman is the new president of the Port of Seattle Commission. Bowman has been a commissioner for a year. She is executive director of Washington ABC, a nonprofit helping economically disadvantaged communities invest in education, home ownership, savings and small business development. Other commission officers are Fred Felleman, vice president, and Peter Steinbrueck, secretary.

Avalara

Kathleen Zwickert joined the board of directors at Avalara, a Seattle developer of cloud-based tax software for businesses. Zwickert was chief people officer at NetSuite, and executive vice president of human resources and communications at Oclaro. Avalara co-founder Jared Vogt will move from its board of directors to its advisory board, supporting strategic initiatives.

Salish Sea Expeditions

Matt Eldridge will become interim executive director at Salish Sea Expeditions, a Bainbridge Island marine science education organization for students in grades 5-12. Eldridge replaces Seth Muir, who is becoming executive director at Sail Sand Point in Seattle. Muir led Salish Sea for seven years.

City of Tacoma

Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards was appointed co-chair of the National League of Cities 2019 Council on Youth, Education and Families. Woodards was vice chair of the council. NLC helps city leaders build better communities.