Nov 06, 2026

City of Bellevue

Whipple

Hesselgesser

The city of Bellevue has named Jake Hesselgesser as its new development services director following a competitive hiring process. Hesselgesser, who has worked for the city for more than a decade in a variety of leadership roles, will oversee a department responsible for permitting, inspections, land use and development review, code enforcement, and small business consulting.

City Manager Diane Carlson said Hesselgesser has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to public service, collaboration and innovation. He previously served as Bellevue's building supervisor and business services director before taking on the role of acting department director.

Hesselgesser brings more than 25 years of local government and construction-related experience to the position and holds multiple professional certifications through the International Code Council. Before joining Bellevue, he worked as a senior inspector and plans examiner for Brown & Associates Certified Inspection Service and as a designer for civil engineering firm Willdan.

The city also announced that Nick Whipple will become deputy director later this month. Whipple has 14 years of planning and development experience, including 12 years with Bellevue in roles ranging from planner to assistant director. City officials said the leadership team's combined expertise in development services, planning, permitting and policy will help support Bellevue's continued growth and improve service delivery.

Cascadia Capital

Cascadia Capital, an independent investment bank focused on middle-market companies, has appointed Rhett Thurman as chief financial officer. Thurman brings more than 40 years of financial services experience and will lead the firm's finance, strategic planning and operations functions.

In his new role, Thurman will work with Cascadia's senior leadership team to advance strategic priorities and strengthen the firm's organizational infrastructure as it continues to grow. The firm said his background includes helping investment banking and financial services companies scale operations, expand capabilities and execute long-term initiatives.

Thurman spent 16 years at healthcare-focused investment bank Cain Brothers, where he served as managing director, chief financial officer, chief administrative officer and a member of the board of directors. During his tenure, the firm grew into one of Wall Street's largest middle-market healthcare M&A advisory firms and was acquired by KeyBanc Capital Markets in 2017.

Most recently, Thurman served as chief financial officer of Angle Health, an AI-native health insurance company. Cascadia said his experience in financial management, corporate development and strategic planning will help support the firm's continued growth and client-service objectives.

Nov 05, 2026

Rainier Partners

Seattle-based private equity firm Rainier Partners has invested in Apex Insurance Services, a Texas managing general agency platform that specializes in the non-standard auto insurance market, the companies announced.

Apex, headquartered in Richardson, Texas, operates five insurance brands and distributes products through more than 1,000 independent agent contracts covering roughly 2,500 retail locations across the state. The company said it has built one of Texas' largest non-standard auto insurance distribution networks since its founding in 2014.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Apex CEO Bryan Ward said the partnership will support the company's next phase of growth, including continued expansion in Texas, potential entry into new states, strategic acquisitions and exploration of related insurance products.

Rainier Partners manages more than $400 million in assets and focuses on lower middle-market businesses in sectors including financial services. Apex said Sherman & Company served as its sell-side advisor on the transaction.

Nov 04, 2026

Liberty Bank

Morris

Rhonda Morris, the former executive vice president and chief risk officer of Liberty Bank, has joined the Poulsbo-based community bank's board of directors.

Morris recently retired after 13 years with Liberty Bank, and brings 44 years of banking experience to the board. During her career, she held leadership roles spanning internal audit, compliance, information technology, operations, security, human resources and risk management.

Liberty Bank said Morris' appointment allows the organization to retain her institutional knowledge and community banking expertise while continuing her long-standing involvement with the bank and the industry.

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Poulsbo, Liberty Bank serves individuals, families and businesses.

Gesa Credit Union

Don Miller, president and CEO of Gesa Credit Union, has received the 2026 Summit Icon Award from the GoWest Credit Union Association, the organization's highest individual honor.

The award recognizes long-term leadership, advocacy, community impact and commitment to the credit union movement. Miller has spent his entire career at Richland-based Gesa, helping guide its growth from a $100 million institution to one with $6.8 billion in assets and more than 326,000 members.

Miller joined Gesa in a series of executive roles, including chief financial officer, chief operations officer and chief retail officer, before becoming president and CEO in 2013. Under his leadership, the credit union has completed four mergers and acquisitions, including the acquisition of Security State Bank in 2025.

The Summit Icon Award was presented Oct. 9 during the GoWest Credit Union Association's MAXX 2026 conference in Aurora, Colorado. Since 2020, Gesa has invested $22.9 million in Northwest communities, including $5.8 million in 2025.

Nov 03, 2026

Stoel Rives

Stoel Rives has elected six attorneys to its partnership, effective Jan. 1, 2027, including five lawyers based in Seattle, Boise and Portland.

“Our newest partners have distinguished themselves through exceptional client service, sound judgment, and a strong commitment to the firm and the communities we serve,” said Melissa Jones, firm managing partner. “This partner class exemplifies the talent, integrity, and collaborative spirit that define our partnership, and we look forward to their continued impact on our clients, colleagues, and communities.”

In Seattle, Evan Brown was elevated to partner in the firm's Construction & Design practice. Brown advises owners, developers, contractors and public agencies on complex public and private construction projects, from contract negotiation through dispute resolution.

Boise gained two new partners. Cory Carone, a commercial litigator, represents companies in complex business disputes involving contracts, fraud claims, noncompete enforcement and other high-stakes matters. Nick Gourley, a corporate attorney, advises businesses on mergers and acquisitions, private equity financings, joint ventures, securities compliance and governance issues.

In Portland, litigators Jacob Goldberg and Kevin Schock also were elected to the partnership. Goldberg focuses on commercial litigation involving securities, corporate governance, trade secrets, privacy and product liability disputes. Schock represents clients in complex commercial disputes, mass torts, intellectual property matters and government investigations.

The promotions are part of a six-member partner class announced by the firm last week. Lauren Neuhaus, an attorney in the Environment, Land Use & Natural Resources practice, is joining from the San Francisco office.

Oct 30, 2026

Harborstone Credit Union

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Lakewood-based Harborstone Credit Union has agreed to acquire HUSTL, the all-digital banking platform and brand operated by Arizona's Vantage West Credit Union.

Under a purchase and assumption agreement approved by both institutions' boards, Harborstone will acquire HUSTL's assets and intellectual property and assume the platform's associated deposit liabilities. Existing HUSTL deposit members are expected to become Harborstone members, subject to membership eligibility requirements.

Harborstone said the acquisition will expand its digital banking capabilities and extend its reach among digital-first consumers, including freelancers, gig workers and small-business owners that HUSTL was designed to serve.

“The credit union movement has always been built on collaboration, and this transaction reflects that spirit,” said Geoff Bullock, president and CEO of Harborstone Credit Union. “Vantage West has created an innovative digital platform and product offering in HUSTL that serves consumers in new and meaningful ways, and we're honored to continue that work. Together, we're creating new opportunities to serve members, expand financial access, and demonstrate what's possible when credit unions help credit unions.”

The deal follows Harborstone's recent growth through acquisitions of Seattle-based First Sound Bank in 2024 and Mount Vernon-based SaviBank in 2025, as well as its 2025 merger with Community 1st Credit Union. The credit union now reports approximately $3.2 billion in assets, $2.4 billion in loans and $2.7 billion in deposits.

The transaction is expected to close in December, subject to regulatory and customary approvals. Harborstone was advised by McQueen Financial Advisors and Luse Gorman PC.

Oct 29, 2026

Employment Security Department

Gov. Bob Ferguson has presented leadership awards to two Employment Security Department staff.

JR Richards and Jessica Barr earned the Governor's Outstanding Leadership Award, which recognizes managers in state government who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through performance results in the previous year.

Richards is the agency's insurance services director. Under Richards' direction, Employment Security successfully integrated service delivery across its three benefits programs: Unemployment Insurance, Paid Family & Medical Leave and WA Cares.

Her nominator said Richards exemplifies the values of Washington's public sector, making her a standout candidate for the award.

Barr is Employment Security's North Sound regional director. She oversees WorkSource offices in Snohomish, Skagit, Island, Whatcom, Kitsap, Clallam and Jefferson counties.

She has been a driving force behind statewide improvements at WorkSource offices in her region, directly resulting in better service for customers in several key areas. Her nominator said she demonstrates that leadership is not about authority, but about service, relationships and results.”