Jan 21, 2026

AHBL

Kaul

AHBL promoted Scott Kaul from associate principal to principal. Kaul is an accomplished civil engineer with 21 years of experience designing a wide range of projects, including residential, commercial, municipal, educational, military and industrial developments.

As principal, Kaul will continue managing his portfolio of work while playing a key role in shaping AHBL's strategic direction and business operations.

Kaul's technical expertise spans all aspects of site development, including entitlements, site utility design and calculations, site grading, storm drainage design and construction administration. He has successfully managed projects for developers and architects on single-family subdivisions, multifamily communities, commercial developments and mixed-use projects. In addition to project leadership, Kaul mentors civil engineers across the firm, supporting the growth of early-career professionals. His work extends from Western Washington to Central and Eastern Washington, and he serves as principal in the firm's Tri-Cities office, providing civil engineering services to local clients.

Corley

Jackie Corley joined AHBL as marketing manager. Corley brings over 10 years of experience leading complex, high-profile pursuits in the fast-paced commercial construction market of the Pacific Northwest. Throughout her career, Corley has partnered with teams to craft strategic, client-focused proposals across diverse market sectors. She is known for her ability to navigate high-pressure situations with a positive, solutions-oriented mindset, and for turning complex technical information into compelling, accessible content.

Corley holds a B.S. in Business Marketing with a minor in Communications from Mount St. Mary's University, and has served in multiple committee roles with SMPS. She is also a current member of SMPS, WSHEE and SAME.

Becker

John Becker, professional land surveyor (PLS) and AHBL principal, is retiring from day-to-day operations after a 36-year career in the land surveying industry — 29 of those with AHBL. While stepping back from his day-to-day role, Becker will continue to support AHBL through 2026 as an advisor and mentor, helping ensure a smooth leadership transition within the Land Survey Department.

A third-generation land surveyor originally from the Tri-Cities, Becker built much of his career in Tacoma, where he earned his degree from the University of Puget Sound before joining AHBL in 1996. He played a pivotal role in expanding the firm's reach by opening the Tri-Cities office in 2011. Over the years, he has held key roles including principal, chief of parties, and project surveyor, contributing both in the field and office.

His expertise spans a wide range of surveying disciplines, including topographic, boundary, construction staking, and ALTA/NSPS surveys. Becker has been instrumental in residential and commercial development projects throughout Eastern and Western Washington.

Earlier this year, Tyler Duncan, PLS was promoted to associate principal and will lead AHBL's Land Survey Department in the Tri-Cities. As both associate principal and AHBL's Tri-Cities chief of parties, Duncan brings nearly two decades of experience coordinating survey projects and supervising both office production staff and field crews. Since beginning his career at AHBL 18 years ago after graduating from Washington State University, Duncan has played a key role in producing survey maps for hundreds of projects across Washington and the broader Pacific Northwest. His expertise spans topographic surveys, boundary calculations, legal descriptions, and the creation of detailed survey maps and exhibits that support engineering, architectural and construction efforts. Duncan also leads on-call survey projects and has been instrumental in growing AHBL's Tri-Cities office while mentoring staff to serve clients throughout Eastern Washington, Oregon and Idaho.

Follansbee

Dave Follansbee, AHBL principal and land surveyor, is also retiring from day-to-day operations after 27 years with AHBL and a distinguished career in the land surveying industry. Follansbee will continue with AHBL through 2026 in an advisory role, supporting mentorship and a seamless leadership transition within the Survey Department.

Over nearly three decades, Follansbee has played a pivotal role in shaping AHBL's survey practice across the Pacific Northwest. His expertise includes AutoCAD drafting, topographic and A.L.T.A. surveys, boundary line adjustments, records of survey, short and long plats, and grant-funded projects. Follansbee's work spans both field and office operations, and he has overseen five survey crews serving public and private clients throughout Washington.

Christopher Dodos was promoted to associate principal at the beginning of the year and will lead the Survey Department. Dodos is a licensed professional land surveyor in Washington and Oregon, with over 11 years of experience. A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, he began his professional career as a high school teacher before transitioning into surveying. His technical expertise includes topographic, boundary and post-construction as-built surveys, construction staking, and right-of-way surveys.

Baird Private Wealth Management

Hawkins

Baird Private Wealth Management, an employee-owned, international wealth management, asset management, investment banking/capital markets and private equity firm, hired Janet Hawkins as an associate branch manager. She will help to oversee the firm's Seattle office.

Hawkins comes to Baird with more than three decades of industry experience. In the past, she has held leadership positions at Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, Charles Schwab and Ameriprise Financial, where she partnered closely with advisors and leadership teams to drive growth, attract and develop talent, and strengthen culture. Hawkins holds Series 9 and 10 certifications and graduated from Allegheny College with a bachelor's degree in economics.

The Seattle office is a key part of Baird's ongoing private wealth management expansion in Washington. In August, Brian Petersdorf joined as an associate branch manager and Stacey Mulier recently joined as the branch administrative supervisor. Baird also has private wealth management offices in Bellevue, Mount Vernon, Spokane and Yakima. Baird's Private Wealth Management business encompasses nearly 1,400 financial advisors averaging 20 years of industry experience and serving clients coast-to-coast with client assets of more than $350 billion.

State Superior Court

Webster

Gov. Bob Ferguson has appointed Thomas Webster to the Superior Court for Stevens, Pend Oreille and Ferry Counties. Webster's appointment fills the position vacated by Judge Jessica Reeves, who retired from the bench Dec. 31. Webster is a career litigator with more than two decades of legal experience. In 2009, he founded the Webster Law Office in Colville, which handles a broad range of civil matters and where he currently serves as counsel following the offices' sale to GLP. Upon moving to Washington, Webster spent three years practicing at the law firm of McGrane & Schuerman in Colville.

Prior to coming to Washington, Webster spent five years as a partner at Tingle Knight Webster & Juckett in Des Moines, Iowa. Outside of the courtroom, Webster was a member of the Rotary Club of Colville from 2007 to 2025. He also taught a people's law course through his current law firm, where he presented seminars, facilitated legal workshops and authored course materials to help members of the public understand their legal rights and access the justice system. Webster earned his bachelor's degree from Cornell College and his law degree from Drake University.

Jan 16, 2026

King County Superior Court

York

Gov. Bob Ferguson appointed Daniel York to the King County Superior Court. York's appointment fills the position vacated by Judge LeRoy McCullough, who retired from the bench at the end of 2025. York is a career litigator with more than 15 years of legal experience. He currently practices family law as a partner at the Seattle law firm of Wechsler Becker. He also serves as a Family Law Commissioner Pro Tem in King County and is the current chair of the King County Bar Association's Family Law Section. York is a United States Marine Corps veteran who served in Iraq and Kuwait. Earlier in his career, York spent more than eight years providing reduced rate representation for survivors of domestic violence in Seattle. During that time, he also served four years as an adjunct professor at Seattle University School of Law, where he taught multiple family law focused courses, and four years as a volunteer attorney at New Beginnings Domestic Violence Clinic. York earned his bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University and his law degree from the University of Houston. He also completed master's level mental health counseling coursework at St. Mary's University prior to attending law school.

Clark Pacific

California-based Clark Pacific, a design-build manufacturer of prefabricate building systems, announced that it will open offices in Washington and Arizona that will allow the company to meet growing demand for prefabrication in these regions. Clark Pacific designs, engineers, fabricates and installs high-performance building envelope systems known for their versatility, owner value and durability. “This represents an exciting new chapter for Clark Pacific,” said Don Clark, CEO of Clark Pacific. “In the Pacific Northwest, we are committed to building on our success in facades, delivering high-performance, aesthetically pleasing and sustainable building envelope solutions.”

State of Alaska

Fifty years ago, Alaskan voters amended the state constitution to set aside a portion of the state's revenues from oil and minerals, establishing the Alaska Permanent Fund to benefit all generations of Alaskans. “The generations who established and built the Permanent Fund prioritized the future of Alaska over their ability to take more for themselves,” stated Deven Mitchell, executive director and CEO. “Fortunately for our state, they turned a time of short-term extraordinary wealth from nonrenewable resources into Alaska's greatest renewable resource. Fifty years later, it is our turn to lead to ensure that the fund continues to serve Alaskans for generations to come.” Per the 1976 amendment, a portion of all the state's oil and mineral revenues — along with special appropriations to grow the fund and inflation proofing to maintain the fund's purchasing power — is deposited into the fund's principal. These contributions are transformed into long-term, renewable financial revenues through global investment, generating income to support essential state services and the annual Permanent Fund Dividend, which is distributed directly to Alaska residents. The Alaska Permanent Fund has grown to become the largest sovereign wealth fund in the U.S., with a value exceeding $85 billion and a 9.35% rate of return in fiscal year 2025.

Jan 15, 2026

Suncadia changes brokerage model

[enlarge]

East of the Cascades near Cle Elum, the Suncadia resort and residential community turned 25 last year. With its golf courses, hotel, spa, retail and several different neighborhoods, it spans over 6,000 acres — most of which is preserved greenery and open space. To aid its planned and continued growth in home sales, Suncadia announced this week that it's revamping its brokerage operations. In-house sales/brokerage services will close down, leaving outside brokers to handle the resale market for existing homes. Thus, Suncadia is “sharpening its focus on developer land sales and new homes offered by custom and semi-custom homebuilders.” Suncadia's Mark Thorne elaborated, “Our priority is to strengthen collaboration with all outside brokers and current builders who share our commitment to quality and growth.”

Brynestad bids adieu to industry

Brynestad

Bart Brynestad, responsible for millions upon millions of square feet in the industrial sector, recently announced his retirement last month on LinkedIn. He wrote, “After 23 years with Panattoni Development Company, I will be retiring at the end of December. What an incredible run we have had working and growing our development projects in the region, always looking to see what would come next. I am thankful to our team and Travis Hale for continuing to meet our client's needs as Panattoni moves forward with another busy year.” He continued, “With 42 years of experience within the commercial real estate industry, I feel very lucky to have met and worked with so many amazing individuals and teams.” He plans to spend more time with family, and to volunteer with faith and nonprofit organizations.”

Goodman Real Estate

Norris

A longtime fixture at Goodman Real Estate, Kelli Jo Norris recently posted on social media that she's been elevated to the role of CEO. Her predecessor, George Petrie, isn't going away. He now becomes executive chairman at the multifamily firm. Norris wrote, “I'm grateful for the many people, mentors, partners and experiences — both inside and outside of Goodman Real Estate — that have shaped me as a leader.” With three decades at the firm, she calls it “a company that has shaped not only my career, but my values.”

Gantry finds $30M for local trio

[enlarge]

ParMac 100

There were three different beneficiaries for loans secured in past months by Gantry, that firm announced this week. First, Mike Wood and Tim Brown secured $8.5 million in a refinancing deal at Fremont Studios, owned by Fremont Dock Co. (itself run by the Burke family). Second, Mike Taylor joined Wood and Brown in securing $12 million to retire old debt at the ParMac 100 & 200 industrial complex in Kirkland. (That followed the October sale, as the DJC then reported, with Symetra Life Insurance being the lender.) Third, Wood and Brown arranged $9.4 million to refinance old debt at the 92-unit Mark Twain apartments in Tacoma. Wood said in a statement, “This past year represented an improving climate for permanent debt as rate benchmarks improved and became less volatile with the market better adjusted to the cycle's new cost of capital.”

Commercial Brokers Association

Aigner

On social media, the Commercial Brokers Association recently posted that Rob Aigner is its interim CEO, effective Jan. 1, following the unexpected November death of Chris McDougall. An industry veteran, Aigner also leads his own consulting shop. He was recently inducted into the NAIOP Washington Hall of Fame, and spend most of the prior two decades at Harsch Investment Properties. The late McDougall, a widely respected industry pro, was appointed CEO in 2018. The CBA announced his sad passing in November. Board president Mike Azose said at the time, “We have lost an extraordinary leader, colleague and friend. Our industry is stronger because of him, and his contributions will endure for decades to come.”

Prologis signs tenant in Kent

The Northwest Corporate Park Kent, owned by Prologis, has about 39,195 square feet. And new tenant R&B Wholesale Distributors announced that it recently signed for 10,000 square feet of that space. The latter firm's Chris Burggraf said in a press release, “We've been focused on expanding our distribution beyond our core markets.” The new lease marks R&B's entry to the Puget Sound region. Founded in 1968, R&B says it's the largest appliance distributor on the West Coast. Following tenant improvements, the new office and warehouse complex will be led by new hires Joshua Ryan and Joe Henderson. Tenant representation wasn't announced. Matt Wood at KBC Advisors is the broker for that Prologis property, just west of Highway 167

Kidder Mathews

Tim Weber

After three decades as a retail specialist with First Western Properties, Tim Weber is joining Kidder Mathews' Tacoma office as an executive VP. He said in a statement, “Joining Kidder Mathews feels, in many ways, like coming home. I'm working alongside my incredible team again, and we're part of a broader network of brokers who bring energy, expertise and a truly collaborative approach every day.” Team? What team? He's referring to Don Whittles, son Blake Weber and Ned Whalen, who decamped last year from First Western to KM. So it's a reunion of sorts.

Perlo Construction

W. Peterson

J. Peterson

Perlo Construction has expanded its footprint into the Puget Sound region, with the opening of a new office in Tacoma. Founded in the 1950s, Perlo specializes in a range of sectors including industrial, manufacturing, distribution, storage, retail, healthcare, education, auto dealerships, office and tenant improvement projects. Beyond traditional construction services, Perlo offers comprehensive preconstruction services, including budgeting, constructability reviews, design-build delivery, and ongoing facility improvements. Its Special Projects Group is equipped to handle everything from minor repairs to full-scale renovations, providing clients with a single, reliable partner throughout the entire lifecycle of their buildings.

Jordan Peterson has been promoted to director of operations, and will oversee operations for Perlo's Tacoma office. Whitney Peterson has been promoted to senior training & development manager. She will relocate to Tacoma to help co lead Perlo's newly opened office. She brings more than a decade of diverse industry experience, including subcontractor relations, special projects, and large-scale industrial work. Riley Pifer has been promoted to project engineer with Perlo's Special Projects Group, and will also relocate to Tacoma. Pifer joined Perlo after completing three years as a summer intern, bringing with her a strong foundation in construction management and hands-on experience across a wide range of smaller scale projects.

Delta Dental of Washington

McWashington

Delta Dental of Washington has hired Shawn McWashington as its new director of sales. McWashington will lead a full team of sales professionals and oversee the organization's sales strategy. He brings a broad background in sales, business development and customer strategy, having held leadership roles at Amazon,Trupanion and HomeStreet Bank.

McWashington earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Washington State University, where he was also a student-athlete. He was a starting wide receiver on the first WSU team to reach the Rose Bowl in 67 years. He later completed his PhD coursework in athletic administration from Florida State University. McWashington has served on the board of directors for the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle and Communities in Schools of Washington. He also contributes his time and expertise to initiatives supporting education, equity and youth development.

Delta Dental of Washington was founded 70 years ago by Seattle area dentists.