Jul 16, 2020

Skanska

Ahlf

Kowalchuk

Skanska USA recently announced the promotions of two executives in its Seattle office. Don Kowalchuk becomes senior VP of operations, after 29 years with the company. Nine-year veteran Lacey Ahlf rises to VP of operations. Skanska's Kevin McCain said in a statement, “Both Don and Lacey have tremendous experience, are well respected members of our team, and have the skill sets that will help us grow as a company and continue our momentum.”

Rise adds Vancouver units to portfolio

On the same day it announced the over $66 million acquisition of the Alto Apartments in Belltown, Rise Properties Trust also said it had in late June acquired the 120-unit Westwynd Apartments in Vancouver, Washington. That garden apartment complex, just west of Interstate 5 in the Starcrest neighborhood, traded for a little over $18.3 million. Public records indicate a loan from KeyBank. The seller, local entity Christensen Properties LLC, had acquired the complex in 2016 for $13.6 million. It was developed on nearly 5 acres in 1982. Both sales bring the Canadian REIT's local portfolio to about 4,453 units in 25 communities.

Lee & Associates

Meunier

Lee & Associates announced the recent hiring of 10-year-veteran Robert Meunier. He makes the move from DSC Capital. He'll join the multifamily team, bringing his experience in underwriting and debt structuring.

Banzai

Bilafer

Kurt Bilafer is the new chief revenue officer at Seattle-based Banzai, a developer of cloud software for webinar and event marketing. Bilafer has over 25 years of sales and marketing experience, with stints at Amazon, SAP, WePay and PwC. He also started a number of companies, including Pilot Software, which was acquired by SAP in 2007.

WGU Washington

Maheshwary

In Kent, WGU Washington added Steven Maheshwary to its advisory board. Maheshwary is director of economic development and lead for the state's information and communication technology sector. Prior to that, he was an Amazon program lead focusing on products and services for low-income customers and underserved communities. WGU Washington offers online bachelor's and master's degrees.

NanoSurface Biomedical

Seattle-based NanoSurface Biomedical changed its name to Curi Bio as part of a comprehensive rebranding effort that included relocating its headquarters from the University District to a 5,000-square-foot laboratory and office near Olympic Sculpture Park in Belltown. The company also appointed Dr. David Mack, an associate professor at the University of Washington's Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, to its scientific advisory board. Curi Bio develops human stem cell-based biotechnology products.

FiRa Consortium

Beaverton, Oregon-based FiRa Consortium and the UWB Alliance agreed to jointly promote ultra-wideband technology, which uses low energy for short-range, high-bandwidth communications. As a part of the liaison, UWB Alliance is focusing on promoting and safeguarding ultra wideband and advancing rule updates of the technology in the U.S. and European Union. FiRa is focusing on specifications, interoperability and certification. UWB Alliance is a nonprofit based in Washington, D.C.

Lithia Motors

Medford, Oregon-based Lithia Motors acquired Smolich Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram and Nissan dealerships in Bend, Oregon. Together, the two dealerships generate about $100 million in yearly sales. Lithia owns car dealerships across the country.