Feb 26, 2025

HKP Architects

Elliott

HKP Architects announced the addition of Karyn Elliott as the firm's new marketing coordinator and office administrator.

Elliott will develop targeted marketing strategies to enhance HKP's presence and strengthen connections with clients and the community and will oversee the firm's day-to-day operations.

Elliott brings a diverse background in administration, marketing, and community engagement. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Shakespearean Literature from Kansas State University and is currently pursuing her Master's in Library and Information Science from the University of Denver, with graduation planned for 2025.

Johnston Architects

Chen

Kuentzel

Booth

Davis

Flores

Johnston Architects has promoted Jasmyn Flores and Jesse Davis to associate. The firm has also hired Melissa Booth and Rob Kuentzel as project architects, and Christina Chen as office coordinator/designer.

Flores earned her Bachelor of Arts in Apparel Product Development with a minor in Interior Design from the University of Idaho. She joined JA in 2019 and leverages her expertise in proposal management, award submissions, graphic design, and website development to advance the firm's marketing initiatives. She has played a pivotal role in securing major projects and industry accolades, including the Postmark Center for the Arts AIA Washington award and multiple honors for the Winthrop Library. Flores is an active member of JA's Firm Culture and Social Responsibility Committees, and the DEI and Education Committee for SMPS Seattle.

Davis studied Sociology and Theology at Point Loma Nazarene University and earned a Master of Architecture from the University of Washington. He joined JA in 2020. He works closely with JA clients to design welcoming and inspiring spaces, including single-family projects in Twisp, Quilcene, and Kirkland. He volunteers on the AIA Seattle Committee on Homelessness, is a member of the city of Seattle's Columbia City Landmark District Review Committee, and is chair of JA's Social Responsibility Committee.

Booth earned her Bachelor of Design in Architecture from the University of Florida and Master of Architecture from the Harvard University Graduate School of Design. She joins JA with over ten years of experience, with a focus on workplace and civic design, and several completed exhibitions globally. Her recent work includes the Moss Adams San Francisco Office and The Net Market Hall in Seattle. She currently serves as the project architect on the Pierce County Library System's new Sumner Library. She is also a member of the project team for the new library for Park County in Powell, Wyoming. Booth volunteers on JA's Social Responsibility and Knowledge Sharing Committees.

Kuentzel earned his Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Master of Architecture from the University of Maryland's School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. He joins JA with a decade of experience, including residential and mixed-use projects, managing permit submissions with entitlements including ECA exemptions, steep slope setback relief, and shoreline relief. Kuentzel is currently serving as the project architect and project manager for the new library for Park County in Powell, Wyoming. Outside of the firm, Kuentzel mentors architecture students at his alma mater and the University of Washington.

Chen received her Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Design from the University of Washington. She joins JA as the office coordinator, supporting business, marketing, and operations initiatives. She applies her experience in small business bookkeeping to assisting JA's business manager with invoicing and accounts receivable. As a designer, Chen supports project teams and contributes to the firm's marketing efforts through project research, graphic design, and more. Chen is a member of JA's Firm Culture Committee.

Marcy Naismith Design

Naismith

Marcy Naismith is excited to announce the launch of her own WBE-certified design firm, Marcy Naismith Design. With over 20 years of experience in interior design, medical planning, and lean design facilitation, Naismith specializes in creating innovative healthcare and senior living environments.

Holding degrees in Interior Architecture and a Master of Architecture, she takes a holistic approach that integrates spatial planning with design aesthetics, ensuring each project is both functional and visually cohesive.

Her user-centered philosophy creates spaces that foster positive experiences and meaningful connections. She has worked with prominent healthcare and senior living clients across the Northwest, California, and nationwide, tailoring each design to address regional needs and requirements. She offers her services directly to clients or in collaboration with other architectural firms.

To view Naismith's portfolio of work and learn more visit http://www.marcynaismithdesign.com.

RMC Architects

Langman

Joe Langman has joined RMC Architects as a design professional. Langman recently relocated to Bellingham from Exeter in south-west England. He received a Master of Architecture and Design from Aalborg University in Denmark and a certificate in Professional Practice at the AA School in London. Langman has been a British licensed Architect for 10 years, leading multifamily housing and healthcare projects, two of RMC's niches.

Langman is currently working on the Whatcom County Northwest Annex building, a 52,000 -square-foot two-story office building for Whatcom County Facilities that includes a double-height feature entry composed of cross-laminated timber.

Boise Cascade

Sikes

Boise Cascade named Nathan Sikes as its he new senior vice president of western operations for their Building Materials Distribution (BMD) division. In this role, he will be responsible for BMD's facilities and door shops located in the Western and Pacific regions. Since joining Boise Cascade in 2006, Sikes has held a series of key roles and progressive leadership positions in the company's BMD division. Most recently, he was the vice president of BMD sales and marketing. Before that he was the southwest region manager, branch manager, sales manager, and general line product manager. Sikes earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Texas at Arlington. He serves on the board of directors for the Lumbermen's Association of Texas. Boise Cascade is one of the largest producers of engineered wood products and plywood in North America and a U.S. wholesale distributor of building products.

The Matthews Group

UBS announced that The Matthews Group, an advisor team based in the firm's Bellevue office, has been named to the Forbes America's Top Wealth Management Teams – Private Wealth 2024 list and the Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams 2025 list. The 19-member team, led by Michael Matthews, Tyler Matthews, Melanie Matthews, Kathryn Sciba, Tanner Peelen, Kim Muska, Mandy Ho, Shawn Meeks, Renee Hawkes and Mike Bockner, have been entrusted with over $3 billion in client investable assets. Together, they provide a multi-disciplinary approach to delivering holistic advice to ultra-high net worth individuals, business owners, entrepreneurs and multi-generational families. The Forbes rankings, developed by SHOOK Research, are based on an algorithm of qualitative and quantitative data, including revenue trends, assets under management and compliance records. UBS is a global wealth manager headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, operating in more than 50 markets around the globe.

Feb 25, 2025

Whatcom Community College

Guillory

The Whatcom Community College Board of Trustees appointed Dr. Justin Guillory as the college's new president, effective May 1. Following the announcement of the retirement of its current president, Dr. Kathi Hiyane-Brown, the board engaged Gold Hill Associates to conduct a comprehensive nationwide search. Guillory was selected for his distinguished record in higher education leadership and a shared vision for the future of the college. Guillory has over 20 years of experience in higher education, 18 of which include serving in various capacities at Northwest Indian College, including 12 years as the president. He previously served as a graduate assistant/mentor program coordinator within the Office of Multicultural Student Services at Washington State University. Guillory has served on the boards of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium, the American Indian College Fund, and the Washington Governors University Advisory Board. Guillory has a PhD in higher education administration, a master's degree from WSU, and a bachelor's degree from Eastern Washington University. Whatcom Community College is located in Bellingham.

Protect AI

Protect AI named Ralph Pisani as chief revenue officer. Pisani will lead Protect AI's global go-to-market strategy, accelerating enterprise adoption and revenue growth as the company scales to meet surging demand for AI security solutions. Most recently, Pisani served as president of Exabeam, where he played a pivotal role in scaling the company into a leading SIEM and security analytics provider. Previously, Pisani held senior leadership roles at Imperva and CipherTrust, leading global sales and go-to-market operations. Protect AI has raised $108 million in funding and acquired several companies including Rebuff, Huntr, Laiyer AI and Syde Labs to add new resources and expand the capabilities of its AI security platform. Protect AI is headquartered in Seattle, with offices in Berlin and Bangalore.