Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator

The Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator (CSAA) has appointed Jake Gentry as its executive director. Gentry, who helped form the organization three years ago, will lead CSAA's efforts to make the Pacific Northwest the global center of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production.

CSAA was formally launched in January 2026 with backing from a Washington state appropriation and more than $10 million in private philanthropic investment. It has assembled a broad coalition of aviation industry leaders, research institutions, Tribal representatives, policymakers, and sustainability advocates united around a single goal: scaling locally produced, low-carbon SAF to one billion gallons annually by 2035.

Gentry will oversee CSAA's full portfolio of initiatives, including feedstock and supply chain development, offtake strategy, shared research and development infrastructure, clean energy integration, and policy advocacy. He builds on a coalition that includes Alaska Airlines, Amazon, Boeing, Washington State University, Snohomish County, Earth Finance, Microsoft, the Port of Seattle and the Washington State Department of Commerce, among others.

He will also oversee the Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Institute, an innovative research and development facility at Paine Field in Snohomish County. The institute will house researchers from Washington State University and other academic institutions to test and analyze SAF, scaling the scientific advancement and speeding adoption timelines. The institute will open in a temporary facility this summer.

Hensel Phelps

Hickernell

Lehrman-Schmid

Franssen

Hensel Phelps recently announced promotions of three employees in the Pacific Northwest Region.

Richard Franssen has been promoted to operations manager. Franssen has been with Hensel Phelps for over 20 years and has supported a diverse portfolio totaling more than $4.6 billion across a wide range of markets, including aviation, transportation, healthcare and hospitality. He has also contributed to correctional and civic facilities. Most recently, Franssen played a key leadership role on Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)'s SEA Gateway project, helping guide the team through execution and delivery. The Alaska Airlines-led project reached substantial completion just in time to support increased travel demand during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Kabri Lehrman-Schmid has been promoted to general superintendent. In addition to co-founding Build with Pride Seattle, she has received numerous honors throughout her career, including: 2023 BD+C 40 Under 40; 2023 ENR Top 20 Under 40; 2023 ENR Northwest Top Young Professional; 2022 AGC Washington Rising Star; 2019 Top 20 Outstanding Women in Construction by Construction Business Owner and the 2019 Washington Women in Trades Award. During her 19-year career with Hensel Phelps, she has worked across multiple markets, including aviation, higher education, research/laboratories, federal, civic and correctional facilities.

Jim Hickernell has been promoted to general superintendent. Hickernell has been with Hensel Phelps for 18 years and has contributed to projects totaling more than $3.5 billion in value. His experience spans data centers, aviation, research/laboratories, healthcare and civic and correctional facilities. Hickernell also played an integral role in the successful delivery of the SEA Gateway/North Main Terminal Redevelopment project, contributing to field leadership and project execution. The project was successfully delivered using a progressive design-build approach and was completed ahead of schedule and under budget, with zero claims or litigation. Hickernell supported field execution efforts that helped minimize impacts to ongoing operations and contributed to a strong safety record, including zero serious lost-time injuries.

Hensel Phelps is a 100% employee-owned general contracting company founded in 1937. The firm delivers planning, building and management services across a wide range of markets nationwide.

Dykeman Architects

Crochet

Dominguez Rojo

Somani

McCabe

Opoku

The following people have recently joined the Dykeman team.

Nke Opoku brings a background in design and interest in community-centered spaces. With experience gained through academic work and internships, she joins Dykeman in support of K-12 education projects.

Crystal McCabe brings experience in talent acquisition, human resources, and business operations. At Dykeman, she contributes to the firm's operations and helps support its people and continued growth.

Fenil Somani joins Dykeman in support of K-12 education work, bringing experience across residential and community-focused projects, along with a strong foundation in design development and project coordination.

Sofia Dominguez Rojo brings a strong interest in sustainable, community-based design and a thoughtful approach shaped by her academic background which she will use in K-12 education projects.

Sarah Crochet brings a broad range of architectural experience and a strong commitment to sustainable, accessible, and community-focused design. She too comes to Dykeman to support K-12 education projects.

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories

Quintanilla

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) has named Jesse Quintanilla vice president of property. He succeeds Jana Schultheis, who retired from the company in June.

In this role, Quintanilla will oversee all SEL property holdings, including more than 2 million square feet of owned and leased space across 109 offices worldwide. He will direct the SEL property management team, which leads the design and construction of new SEL buildings, and the facilities team, which provides maintenance and operational support for all properties.

Quintanilla joined SEL in 2005 as an accountant and has held roles of increasing responsibility, including finance manager, finance director and director of business operations. In his most recent role, he led the global panel business unit, which integrates SEL technology into enclosure panels used in protection and automation solutions. Prior to joining SEL, Quintanilla worked for Motley-Motley, a regional construction company.

Quintanilla has a bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting from Washington State University and a master's degree in business administration from the University of Idaho. He serves on the Accounting Academic Advisory Board for the University of Idaho and the International Business Advisory Board for Washington State University.

SEL invents, designs and builds digital products and systems that protect power grids around the world.

Lynnwood Public Facilities District

The Lynnwood City Council is seeking community leaders to serve on the Lynnwood Public Facilities District (PFD) Board of Directors, a volunteer position that plays a vital role in shaping the future of the Lynnwood Event Center and its surrounding 13-acre district.

The PFD is actively planning the redevelopment of its 13 acres which includes upgrades to the Event Center, new retail and dining destinations, an on-site hotel, housing and public park spaces. The revitalization efforts will make the property an innovative destination to experience unique and authentic arts, culture, and entertainment events.

The city says that a future board member “shall be a steward of the city and understand the economic potential the area brings to South Snohomish County.” The PFD is seeking individuals with knowledge in areas such as commercial real estate, hospitality, event management, economic development, community planning and finance.

Interested candidates should submit a nomination from an organization, business or individual, along with a letter of interest and a resume. Interviews with Lynnwood City Council are expected to take place Aug. 10 at 6 p.m. The nomination form can be completed online: http://LynnwoodWA.gov/PFDBoard

Kidder Mathews

Hagen

Kidder Mathews announced its recent hiring of Eric Hagen, who’ll join the retail team led by David Gellner. He makes the move from Mattis Partners. Kidder’s Will Frame said in a statement, “Eric is a strong addition to an already high-performing team. His market knowledge, energy and commitment to serving clients make him a great fit.” Gellner added, “His addition strengthens our ability to serve clients and pursue new opportunities, while maintaining the level of service they expect.”

F5

Munroe

F5 Inc. appointed Gavin Munroe to its board of directors. Munroe will serve as a member of the board's Audit and Risk committees.

He brings more than 25 years of technology leadership experience, having served in leading technology roles at some of the world's leading financial services firms.

Munroe most recently served as chief information officer and transformation head at Commonwealth Bank of Australia, where he led technology modernization, AI enablement, data and analytics, and operational resiliency. Prior to this, he served as global chief information officer at HSBC — Wealth, Private and Retail Banking. He has also held technology leadership roles at Bank of America/Merrill Lynch, Synechron, and Saxon (a division of Morgan Stanley).

Munroe earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Port Elizabeth.

With this appointment, F5's board expands to 10 members, nine of whom are independent.

Ballard Spahr

Kumar

Hari Kumar, a litigator based in Ballard Spahr's Seattle office, is the recipient of the 2026 Pro Bono and Public Service Award from the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA).

Kumar is being recognized “for extraordinary dedication to pro bono service, marked by perseverance through complex litigation and an unwavering commitment to client-centered advocacy,” the WSBA said in announcing its 2026 APEX—Acknowledging Professional Excellence—Awards.

Hari led a team of fellow associates from Ballard Spahr's Litigation Department in a pro bono representation of an autistic minor who was wrongfully removed from his home by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families. The team took the matter to trial and won a multimillion-dollar jury verdict for their clients.

Kumar is a trial and appellate attorney with a focus on insurance coverage and commercial liability matters.

Ballard Spahr's pro bono program is renowned for the volume and impact of pro bono work by its lawyers and professionals. The firm donates more than 50,000 hours a year in cases involving fundamental human rights, voting rights, asylum and immigration, child advocacy, and artists' intellectual property, as well as representing low-income individuals and families in a spectrum of matters.

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Judges of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit have selected Corey Endo as the next federal public defender for the Western District of Washington. She succeeds Rene Valladares, federal public defender for the District of Nevada, who served as interim defender after former defender Colin Fieman entered private practice in January 2026. Endo began her four-year term on June 17.

Endo joined the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Washington in 2005 and has served as a research and writing attorney, assistant FPD, and, most recently, first assistant FPD. In these roles, she has handled direct appeals, federal habeas litigation and complex federal criminal cases, including challenges to the Bureau of Prisons' implementation of the First Step Act and prolonged immigration detention.

Endo earned a Bachelor of Arts in biology and society from Cornell University in 1995. She received her Juris Doctor from New York University School of Law in 2002, graduating magna cum laude and Order of the Coif.

The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Washington is headquartered in Seattle and maintains a branch office in Tacoma. The office employs approximately 54 staff members, including attorneys, paralegals, investigators and administrative personnel. In fiscal year 2025, the office opened 1,204 cases and closed 1,136 cases.

Art Anderson

Mitchell

Mendes

Sanchez

Art Anderson added summer interns James Sanchez and Tyler Mendes and welcomed Art Mitchell as construction manager.

Mitchell has joined the team as construction manager. He brings 20 years of experience and will begin working on the NOAA Manchester Campus Addition project which is set to start construction this summer. His portfolio includes commercial renovations and tenant improvements, such as Union Bank headquarters, Verizon Wireless retail locations and healthcare facilities.

Sanchez has come on as a mechanical engineer intern, having recently graduated from Washington State University with a degree in mechanical engineering.

Mendes is a new naval architecture intern working with the firm's marine engineering team. He is an incoming senior at SUNY Maritime College, pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering in naval architecture with a minor in nuclear engineering.

Mackenzie

Null

Dena Null recently joined Mackenzie as its healthcare practice leader. A healthcare strategist with nearly three decades of experience, Null has guided complex projects from vision through implementation across hospitals, academic medical centers, ambulatory surgery centers, and outpatient care environments, contributing healthcare planning, project delivery, and regulatory compliance throughout the western United States.

PLS Engineering

McGreevey

Grant McGreevey joined PLS as a summer intern in the civil department. He will assist with design and planning projects throughout the summer. McGreevey is currently pursuing a degree in civil engineering, with a minor in finance, at Boise State University.

Dykeman Architects

Schodin

LeMieux

Otto

Gannon

Ham

Zach Ham has been promoted to principal, a promotion that reflects 20 years with Dykeman leading large, complex projects, primarily in the K-12 education market, while also guiding Dykeman's marketing efforts.

Kathryn Gannon has been promoted to associate principal. She has 24 years of interior architecture and design experience in K-12.

Miranda Otto has been promoted to associate principal, with more than a decade of architectural experience with the Dykeman team and contributions to the education market, from pre-K through secondary education.

Jacob LeMieux has nearly a decade of architectural experience with Dykeman and has been promoted to associate.

Rebecca Schodin was promoted to associate, recognizing eight years of architectural experience with the Dykeman team.

Office of the Insurance Commissioner

Ingrid Ulrey has been appointed senior health policy advisor to Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer. She succeeds Jane Beyer, who retired from the position after nearly 40 years of health policy leadership in Washington state.

Ulrey joins the Office of the Insurance Commissioner after serving as the CEO of the Washington Health Benefit Exchange for the past three years. Before that, she was regional director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, serving Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and 272 federally recognized tribes.

Ulrey will advise the commissioner on policy and legislative strategies to address the growing health care affordability crisis, protect consumers, and expand access to care. She will also serve as the commissioner's delegate to the Health Care Cost Transparency Board and the Universal Health Care Commission.

Ulrey's perspective is grounded in decades of experience in federal and state health care policymaking, and previous leadership positions with Public Health Seattle & King County, AARP, SEIU, and PATH. She has a Master of Public Policy from Georgetown University and a bachelor's degree in cultural anthropology from the University of California, Santa Cruz.

The city of Redmond

The city of Redmond is accepting applications for the Library Board of Trustees. This is open to Redmond residents within the city limits, who have an interest in library-related issues and activities. The board enhances the quality of life in Redmond by advising the mayor and city council on library policy, representing Redmond's interests to the King County Library System, and promoting local interest in the library.

The city is committed to having a board that reflects the diversity of the community and encourages applicants who are passionate about libraries and the role the Redmond Regional Library plays in the community. Members are appointed to three-year terms with a two-term limit.

Meetings take place on the first Wednesday of the month at the Redmond Regional Library. All meetings are currently being held in a hybrid format, with the option of in-person or virtual attendance. All board and commission members are volunteers.

Interested residents are encouraged to complete an online community service application, including a summary of related experience at http://redmond.gov/Commissions/. There is no deadline for applications, but interested community members are encouraged to apply by 5 p.m. on June 30. The position will remain open until filled.

For additional information about the Redmond Library Board of Trustees, contact Deputy City Clerk, Kalli Biegel at kbiegel@redmond.gov, or visit redmond.gov/LibraryBoard.

Farallon Consulting

Welles

Wang

Snyder

Wallin

Ertl

Gay

Farallon Consulting has promoted six team members in the Puget Sound area.

In the Gig Harbor office, Sasha Ertl and Chad Wallin have both been promoted to associate biologist. Sarah Snyder has been promoted to principal geologist in the Seattle office. In Bellevue, Ting Wang has been promoted to controller, James Welles to principal hydrogeologist and Megan Gay to executive specialist, knowledge management services.

Washington Forest Protection Association

The Washington Forest Protection Association announced that Jason Cross will serve as its new director of Forest Operations and Environmental Programs, bringing more than two decades of experience in silvicultural science, forest management research, data modeling, and natural resource policy analysis to the organization.

In this role, Cross will provide scientific, technical, and operational leadership on forest management, Washington's forest practices regulatory framework, and related state and federal requirements. And as part of WFPA's commitment to grounding work and policy in science and best-practices, Cross will apply strong technical analysis and help translate applied science into practical policy guidance to support solutions and approaches that protect public resources while maintaining a viable forest products industry. Cross also will help track rulemaking, implementation issues and agency guidelines affecting forest operations.

Cross joins WFPA after serving as a principal with the Stand Management Cooperate at the University of Washington, independent consultant, and researcher. Cross is a University of Washington graduate, earning a MS in Silviculture and Stand Dynamics as well as bachelor's degrees in Forest Management and Mathematics.

Cross joins WFPA as longtime Forest Operations and Environmental Programs leader Doug Hooks remains with the association through 2026 to support a smooth transition.

The Washington Forest Protection Association (WFPA) represents private forest landowners growing and harvesting trees on about 4 million acres in Washington State.

City of Seattle

Smith

The city of Seattle welcomes Shannon Smith as its new chief technology officer. Joining Mayor Katie B. Wilson's leadership team, Smith will play a pivotal role in advancing the administration's commitment to transparency, accountability, and community-centered service.

Smith has led local government technology for over 18 years in Seattle, Bellevue, and King County. She has been noted nationally for her expertise in AI, data governance, and cybersecurity for local government leadership by the National Association of Counties, and she has spoken on these topics at various national and state organizations.

Smith brings over a decade of deep expertise in government technology to her new role. Most recently, she served as director of Public Sector — Local Government — at CAI, where she led strategic planning and implementation of cutting-edge initiatives in cybersecurity, AI, and health and human services across city and county agencies. She is also a certified government chief information officer (CGCIO), a nationally recognized executive leadership program designed to address some of the most critical issues facing public sector technology leaders.

As chief of staff for the King County chief information officer, she was accountable for all technology implemented during the King County-Seattle Public Health's COVID-19 response.

The CTO reports to the mayor and serves on the mayor's cabinet, with overall responsibility for vision, strategy, and leadership of information technology resources, as well as for the management of the work of Seattle IT. The Seattle IT department employs 633 people, and the CTO is responsible for an annual operating budget of $280 million with a capital budget of $20 million.

Pacific Northwest Building Resilience Coalition

Lemay

The Pacific Northwest Building Resilience Coalition (PNBRC) has appointed Lionel Lemay as chairperson. A leader in engineering, sustainability, and industry advocacy, Lemay is known for building high performing teams and programs that advance innovation and growth across the building materials sector.

Lemay is the founder and CEO of ConcreteNexus LLC, a consulting firm dedicated to strengthening resiliency, innovation, and sustainability in the concrete industry through education, certification, and building codes and standards advocacy.

Prior to founding ConcreteNexus, Lemay served in several senior leadership roles, including executive vice president at the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) for 21 years, managing director at the Portland Cement Association (PCA) for 10 years, and director of engineering at Hansen Lind Meyer for seven years.

He is a registered professional engineer and structural engineer in Illinois, a LEED accredited professional, and an active member of ACI, ASTM, and ASCE committees. Lemay holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering and applied mechanics from McGill University in Montreal, Canada.

Lemay succeeds Bill Larson, who is retiring after 10 years as Chairperson.

PNBRC’s mission is to unite the resources of the cement, concrete, masonry, and reinforcing steel industries to position concrete, through education and advocacy, as the material of choice for low-, mid-, and high-rise construction across the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada.

Highline College

George

Des Moines City Attorney Tim George has been named Highline College’s 2026 Distinguished Alumnus for his impact in creating public spaces and services for the community he grew up in.

With all city projects requiring his legal sign-off before moving forward, the South King County native views his role as a problem solver. If issues arise, he fixes them to keep the project on track and on time. Some of the projects George has approved include the Link light-rail extension, marina improvements, a fishing pier replacement, new parks and forested areas.

Starting as a Running Start student, George graduated from Highline with an associate degree in 2002, and said that having grown up in the area, it’s especially rewarding to give back to the community that gave him so much.

Harking back to his years at Highline, George’s interest in law was sparked by a few criminal justice classes. He also took writing classes and discovered an interest and a talent for writing that was ignited by his professor.

After graduating from Highline, George pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Washington and a Juris Doctor degree at California Western School of Law.