Jul 28, 2023

Outstanding Legislator Awards

Ryu

Mullet

The Washington Association of Sewer & Water Districts (WASWD) presented two Outstanding Legislator Awards this year, to Senator Mark Mullet (D-Issaquah), and Representative Cindy Ryu (D-Shoreline). According to the WASWD, Both Mullet and Ryu were responsible for significant efforts to ensure the success of special purpose water and sewer districts in the state of Washington. Mullet is a small business owner, previous Issaquah City Council member, and has been a senator for over a decade. He is currently vice-chair of the Ways and Means Committee, and has been involved in negotiating the capital budget, including several efforts with specific benefits to special purpose utility districts. Mullet's negotiations for funding the state's Public Works Assistance Account this year brought back funding for infrastructure after years of funds being diverted, giving local districts and other government agencies access to affordable, low-interest infrastructure financing for 2023 and 2024. From her initial involvement as a Shoreline City Council member and mayor, to her election to the House in 2010, Ryu has focused on community development and consumer protection — core tenets shared by special purpose utility districts. Her efforts this past session included sponsoring and shepherding legislation to provide equal treatment for all local governments undertaking public works procurement processes. The WASWD exists to advance the work of over 175 special purpose districts that provide water and sewer utility services throughout Washington state through education, advocacy, and collaboration.

Wine Industry Foundation

Camden

Jeremy Camden, senior vice president, senior relationship manager, and regional lead at Bank of America was appointed to the board of directors for the Washington Wine Industry Foundation. The foundation was founded in 2001 to focus on wine industry needs and challenges. Camden has a business administration degree from Washington State University majoring in finance. Over the past 15 years, he has held positions at Bank of America, J.P. Morgan and Union Bank, where he worked with commercial industries including agriculture, non-profits, public and private universities, and technology.

5th Avenue Theatre

Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre appointed Katie Maltais as managing director, succeeding Bernadine (Bernie) Griffin, who retired after 21 years at the organization. A search committee of staff, board members, and community leaders was formed in late 2022 to partner with Tom O'Connor Consulting Group to find the next executive leader. Maltais will lead the business operations for the theatre, collaborating closely with Bill Berry, The 5th's producing artistic director. Maltais has served as managing director of Stages in Houston since 2021. Prior to that, she served as managing director at Curious Theatre Company in Denver. Maltais also served on the executive team of the Lone Tree Arts Center. She worked for the international consulting firm TRG Arts, where she oversaw the client services team. She earned her bachelor's degree in arts administration and theatre from Drury University in Springfield, Missouri.

Jul 27, 2023

Zaborowoski changes horses midstream

Zaborowoski

Based in Chicago, Logistics Property Co. has a portfolio in our region spanning some 3 million square feet. Overseeing that will be its new hire, Drew Zaborowoski, who joins the firm as senior VP. He makes the move from Avenue 55. LPC is both an investor and developer. Its Dennis Rice said in a statement, “Drew has extensive industrial development experience in the Pacific Northwest, and we look forward to him growing the company's footprint in the market.” Zaborowski will work out of the Bellevue office, and added, “I look forward to being a part of the team, and contributing towards LPC's goals and initiatives.”

Wallace Properties

Norris

Veteran broker Spencer Norris has joined Wallace Properties, that firm recently announced. He makes the move from CBRE. Working from its Bellevue office, the new executive VP will oversee Wallace's portfolio — including office, retail and mixed-use — and will join the firm's executive board.

M&M secures loan for View Ridge units

[enlarge]

Marcus & Millichap Capital has secured an over $3.5 million construction loan for a three-unit residential project in the View Ridge area (or possibly Wedgwood). The site looks east to Sand Point Country Club. Cone Architecture is the architect and Seattle Land Use Co. is the developer. Roland Development is the builder. The project consists of a house with ADU, plus separate DADU. M&M's Tammy Linden arranged the financing, and said, “While the overall market is difficult, this well-located property, with a strong sponsor, garnered significant interest.” The 12-month loan carries a 12% fixed rate.

Pillar Properties

Polito

Leaving his longtime perch at Touchstone/Urban Renaissance Group, Joe Polito has joined Pillar Properties, that firm recently announced. He'll serve as president, replacing the now departed Billy Pettit in that role. (He recently co-founded Black Dog Capital Advisors.) The industry veteran Polito most recently had a hand in the Chapter Buildings, an office duo now rising in the U District. He was with Touchstone prior to its 2014 acquisition by URG.

Pacific Program Management

Porter

Jarzyna

Real estate advisory firm Pacific Program Management recently announced new roles for a pair of its longtime staffers. Teal Jarzyna has been promoted to director of transition and relocation management. Company president Mark Wanic said in a statement, “She embodies our people-centered approach, and her background leading Fortune 100 CRM clients helps inform the culture we embrace.” And Briggs Porter has been elevated to director of capital project management. Said Wanic, “Briggs has been a fantastic addition to the PPM team and has a proven ability to build immediate trust with his clients.”

Washington Trust Bank

She

Washington Trust Bank added Cheryl She to its Home Loan division in Bellevue to serve as a mortgage loan officer. She has over 12 years of experience in real estate and financial services, and joins Washington Trust Bank from Key Bank, where she served in a similar position. She is a graduate of the East China Normal University in Shanghai, where she earned an associate degree in public relations. Since graduating, she has continued her professional development as a member of the Asian Real Estate Association of America. Washington Trust Bank is a full-service commercial bank, serving the Northwest since 1902. Headquartered in Spokane, Washington Trust Bank currently has over 40 branches and offices in Washington, Idaho and Oregon.

King County Library System

Rosenblum

King County Library System (KCLS) Executive Director Lisa Rosenblum announced her retirement, effective Nov. 30. Rosenblum joined KCLS in January 2018. KCLS has won numerous awards for outstanding services and innovation during her tenure, including a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association for three consecutive years. This year, KCLS was also named a National Medal finalist by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. During the coronavirus pandemic Rosenblum implemented new online programming, expanded digital collections, boosted Wi-Fi hotspots in library parking lots, and created safe and convenient access to print materials through curbside service and 24/7 library lockers. In 2019, she oversaw the completion of the 2004 Capitol Bond Building Program. The voter-approved $172 million Capital Bond funded the construction of 17 new libraries, 11 expanded libraries, 15 renovated libraries, a parking lot expansion and a three-level garage. In 2020, Rosenblum established a new diversity, equity and inclusion department, which has strengthened KCLS's commitment to provide equitable services to its communities. Rosenblum has spent the past 35 years working for public libraries. Prior to joining KCLS, she served as the director and chief librarian of the Brooklyn Public Library, as well as the director of multiple library systems in Silicon Valley. The KCLS Board of Trustees will conduct a national search for the position with the support of an executive-level search firm. Founded in 1942, KCLS supports the communities of King County (outside the city of Seattle), and has 50 libraries.

Metropolitan Grill

Seattle's Metropolitan Grill received Wine Spectator's Grand Award. The Metropolitan Grill is one of only two restaurants in the Northwest to receive the award, the other being Canlis. There are only 93 restaurants in the entire world that received this honor this year. Since 1981, Wine Spectator has been honoring restaurants with extraordinary wine programs. The top honor is the Grand Award, granted to those that show exceptional commitment to their wine selections and service. The wine program is led by Wine Director Chris Lara. The Metropolitan Grill is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, and features wines from around the world, with a focus on local labels.