Copiers Northwest Welcomes new manager
Rob Sloan has been appointed marketplace manager of the Copiers Northwest office in Bellingham.
Sloan has 15 years of experience in office-equipment sales, most recently in Burlington. “With so many technological advances in imaging and document-management equipment, Copiers Northwest emphasizes integrated workflow solutions that increase business efficiency and reduce costs,” Sloan said.

Hirst is No. 1 life sales agent in U.S.
Burlington-based Tercero Insurance Agency and Nationwide Insurance recently announced that agent Susan Hirst has been recognized as the No. 1 life sales agent in the United States. Hirst will receive her award at a conference in Chicago this September.

Fairhaven Realty hires Hunter
Fairhaven Realty has recently hired WWU alumnus Aeden Hunter, a Bellingham resident since 1994. He graduated from Bellingham High School, attended Whatcom Community College and ultimately earned a bachelor’s degree in communications at WWU. Hunter said he hopes to use his strong communication skills, his technical knowledge, and his experience in customer service to cater to the needs of his clients.
Hunter is also a talented musician who teaches electric bass and guitar and plays bass in his band, SpaceBand.
Ferndale native joins Allstate Insurance
The Ferndale branch of Allstate Insurance Company recently hired Kelly Padilla. Owned and operated by agent Annette Booth, the agency offers auto, property, commercial and life insurance.
Padilla comes to Allstate with customer service experience gained through work in real estate, banking, telecommunications and retail. Padilla, a graduate of Ferndale High School, was born and raised in Whatcom County.

Moncrieff Construction welcomes Billings
Moncrieff Construction Inc., located in Lynden, responded to a growing demand for decorative concrete by hiring specialist Aaron Billings. Billings brings 12 years experience in decorative concrete and is ACI and Master certified in the trade.
Concrete staining, stamping and coloring are among the top floor trends on the market and can mimic natural stones, bricks, patterns and even wood.

Coldwell Banker hires four
Coldwell Banker recently welcomed Mike Parry as a sales associate. Mike brings sales and management experience he gained from working in the automotive industry. At Coldwell, Parry will assist customers in commercial real estate.
Coldwell also recently added Rich Kittinger and Colin Lowin. Kittinger has been assisting buyers and sellers in Whatcom County for four years as a member of NorthHaven Real Estate. Throughout his real estate career, Kittinger has worked as a team with Colin and will continue to do so at Coldwell.
Additionally, Coldwell welcomed Sally Farrell, a life-long resident of Bellingham. She brings experience she gained working for Avalon Realty, where she was the top seller in 2006.

WWU business advisers complete certifications
Kevin Hoult and CJ Seitz have recently completed their certifications to become certified business advisers for WWU’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The completed certification program brought together knowledge and performance standards from a diverse group of professionals for Hoult and Seitz to learn.
“The training is quite involved, and takes six months to complete,” said SBDC director Tom Dorr. “This is a huge accomplishment for Kevin and CJ.”
Dorr said adding two certified business advisers will allow the center to better meet the increasing demand for confidential one-on-one technical assistance for business owners in Whatcom County.

CENTURY 21 Bay Properties adds Shannon Medearis
CENTURY 21 Bay Properties announced that Shannon Medearis has joined its firm as a sales associate. She will specialize in residential property sales in Whatcom County.
Medearis completed her licensing and is engaged in her new agent orientation with Bay Properties.
CENTURY 21 Bay Properties specializes in residential, commercial, fine homes and recreational properties and has offices in Blaine and Bellingham.

Reich designated as senior citizen specialist
Rebecca Reich, a Realtor with the Muljat Group, recently received the Seniors Real Estate Specialist professional designation from the Senior Advantage Real Estate Council (SAREC) in Murphys, Calif.
As a specialist, Reich will help senior citizens make decisions about selling their homes, buying rental property, managing estate taxes and moving to a senior citizen community.
SAREC tracks the issues and needs of senior citizens who own property. It provides education to Realtors who make senior citizens a focus of their business.

Alldata Shredding partners with marketing firm
Alldata Shredding Inc. recently announced its partnership with Backman Marketing. Donna Backman became Alldata’s community liaison and has been promoting the company in Skagit, Island and Whatcom counties. Locally owned, Alldata is a certified contractor for paper and computer hard drive destruction.

WWU dean appointed to tech group’s board
The Technology Alliance Group for Northwest Washington recently announced the addition of Dr. Arlan Norman to its board of directors. Norman is the dean of the College of Sciences and Technology at WWU.
Before coming to Bellingham and WWU in 2003, Norman was chair of the chemistry department at the University of Colorado, Boulder.
Norman is an inorganic chemist whose research involved studies of phosphorus compounds. He has edited and written for scientific journals in his field.

North Coast Credit Union welcomes financial adviser
North Coast Credit Union recently announced that Steve Avery has joined the company as a financial adviser.
Avery resides in Bellingham with his wife Pamela and has worked in the financial services and insurance industry since 1993. His industry affiliations include membership in the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisers.

DeWees is WWU’s executive director of Alumni Association
Deborah DeWees has been named as the new senior director of university advancement and executive director of the WWU Alumni Association.
DeWees has been with the Western Washington University Foundation for nine years. She served as director of development for the WWU College of Business and Economics and other university programs.
“In my new role, I will create lifelong connections to WWU (with alumni) in order to move forward the mission of the University,” DeWees said.
DeWees received a bachelor’s degree in communications from Marywood College and also studied at the University of Maryland.

Three from Dewey Griffin enter competition
Bellingham-based car dealership Dewey Griffin sent three of their senior master technicians participate in the 2007 Subaru U.S. National Technician Troubleshooting Competition. The event took place Aug. 2-5 in Whitestown, Ind.
A total of 44 U.S. technicians participated in the event, including the three from Dewey Griffin, who are: Dave Challender II, Steve Pittman and Mike Duree. After a two-part online test, the technicians participate in a phone-based interview. At that point, one winner (and alternate) will be chosen from each region/distributor. The winner will compete at the final hands-on, diagnostic portion of the competition in Lafayette, Ind.
The winner of that event will participate in the Subaru International Technician Competition in Hachiuji, Japan, at the International Subaru Academy.

Five Whatcom County lawyers are ‘Super Lawyers’
Washington Law and Politics Magazine recently included five Whatcom County-based lawyers on its 2007 list of “Super Lawyers.” Frank Chmelik, Dean Brett, Phillip E. Sharpe Jr., Bruce J. Smith and Barry M. Meyers were selected for the list.
Each year, the magazine compiles a list of outstanding lawyers throughout Washington state in more than 50 areas of practice. Selection to the list was based on surveys sent to 16,000 lawyers who practice law in the state.

Farmers Insurance recognizes Dyrland
Erik Dyrland, owner of the Erik Dyrland Farmers Insurance Agency, has qualified as a “Topper Club” agent by Farmers Insurance. This is the 19th time in his 20 years as a Farmers Agent that Dyrland has received this recognition. Dyrland’s agency is the third largest Farmers agency in the state of Washington. The “Topper Club” award is given to agents for consistently high sales volume of auto, home, life and business policies, plus high client retention, service and profitability. Only 900 of the more than 17,000 Farmers Agents nationwide qualified to receive ‘Topper Club’ honors in 2006.

Peoples Banks promotes Cammock
Peoples Bank recently announced that Carrie Cammock has been promoted to assistant vice president and commercial lending officer. In her new position Cammock will produce and manage small business and commercial real estate loans in Skagit and Island counties.
Cammock joined Peoples Bank in 2003 as a commercial credit analyst. In 2004, she was promoted to business banking officer and became responsible for the small business lending portfolio for Skagit and Island counties. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College and a master’s degree from Thunderbird School of Global Management.

Christensen participates in conference
David Christensen, of Christensen Design Management, participated in a recent California conference on “Developing Master-Planned Communities: Reinventing for the Future,” which was sponsored by the Urban Land Institute.
Christensen is working on several mixed-use master plans throughout the state that utilize charrette design strategies. Partnering with Steve Price of Front Street Partnership, Christensen has also established a new consulting division called Charette Studio. Christensen has been providing design services in the Northwest for 20 years and has received 41 regional and national design awards.

Mortgage compliance practice moves to Whatcom County
Brian Brunkow recently announced the relocation of his legal practice from San Diego to Bellingham.
Brunkow’s legal practice in Whatcom County will focus on residential mortgage and RESPA compliance. Brunkow said he also looks forward to working with local businesses and budding entrepreneurs on business development and contractual matters.
Brunkow is a native of Western Washington and graduated with honors from the Seattle University School of Law in 2000. He is a current member of both the Washington State and California State Bar associations.
He is also a member of the Bellingham Chamber of Commerce, Whatcom Young Professionals, volunteers with Bellingham’s Street Law Program and is an assistant football coach at Bellingham High School for the 2007 season.

Sheriff’s Office adds Sudden Valley deputy
The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office has assigned deputy Kevin Mede to the Sudden Valley community. He will patrol the community as well as other parts of Eastern Whatcom County.
Mede is expected to be closely involved with the community of 5,500 people and address community safety and law enforcement needs. He will also conduct most follow-up investigations of crimes reported in the area and respond to traffic-safety issues.


Boyle appointed Haggen VP OFcorporate brands
John Boyle has been appointed vice president of corporate brands at Haggen Inc.
Boyle will work with the grocery company’s merchandising and marketing teams to build Haggen’s corporate brand program, including quality control and sourcing. Boyle has more than 25 years of experience in the retail industry, including stints as corporate director of grocery and vice president of merchandising and marketing for a national supermarket company. A Northwest native, he attended the University of Washington.

Five join Keller Williams
Five real estate agents recently joined Keller Williams Western Realty’s Bellingham office.
Erin Swedberg has been licensed for almost two years. She enjoys working with her clients through all aspects of the real estate transaction.
Grant LaMothe brings a background in property management that he plans to utilize as he helps his clients find the home of their dreams.
Johanna Serbousek speaks fluent Spanish and looks forward to working with Spanish- and English-speaking clients.
Jessica Brester was born and raised in Skagit County and has been working in the paralegal field for the past three years. She looks forward to working closely with clients in her new real estate business.
Mark Nienaber previously made his living in landscaping and maintenance and has owned and operated two separate landscaping businesses. He looks forward to helping clients to successfully buy and sell real estate.

Nelson, Boettner-Billings join RE/MAX Whatcom County
Two real estate agents joined the Bellingham office of RE/MAX Whatcom County.
Brandon Nelson, in his second year in real-estate sales, will help evaluate houses. He was a custom-home builder for seven years and a licensed home inspector for three years.
Nelson is also the awards chairman for the Ski to Sea Race. Nelson also paddled 146 miles in 24 hours on Lake Whatcom last year, raising nearly $20,000 for hospices.
Kym Boettner-Billings, a lifelong Whatcom County resident, earned the Accredited Buyer Representative designation and has been a licensed real estate agent since 1999. In addition to single-family houses and condominiums, she also specializes in equestrian properties. Boettner-Billings serves as superintendent for the 4-H horse barn at the Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden.
Nelson and Boettner-Billings are based at RE/MAX’s Bellingham office on Lakeway Drive.

WWU Provost Bodman leaves position
Andrew Bodman, provost and vice president for academic affairs at Western Washington University since 1999, left his position July 20 and has returned to teaching as a geography professor in the Huxley College of the Environment.
“It has been an immense privilege for me to serve as provost at Western for the past eight years,” Bodman said. “Western is an extraordinarily strong and vibrant institution and it has the rare combination of an exceptional faculty, delightful staff and high-achieving students.”
Bodman’s accomplishments during his eight years as provost include a revision of the university’s general education requirements, the formation of two new colleges, building the ranks of the tenured and tenure-track faculty, and completing a new strategic plan.

RE/MAX agents gain designations
Two RE/MAX Whatcom County real estate agents recently earned professional designations after completing their continuing education programs.
Matt DeSpain-Tonjes received training from Barb Schwarz, creator of the staged homes concept, to become an Accredited Staging Professional (ASP). An ASP is an expert in preparing a house for sale, enabling owners to gain top value and sell their houses sooner than others in today’s real estate market. DeSpain-Tonjes, who has five years of real estate experience and the Accredited Buyer Representative designation, is based at RE/MAX’s Bellingham office.
Scarlett Bourcier completed requirements for the ABR designation. This designation recognizes agents who have completed studies in the field of buyer representation. Bourcier, who has 12 years of experience in sales, also is at RE/MAX’s Bellingham office.

Beatty receives public speaking award
Jodie Beatty, a financial adviser with Waddell & Reed Inc., recently received a “competent communicator” award for exceptional achievements in the Toastmaster’s International Communication Program. Beatty received the award after presenting a series of 10 public speeches. Beatty’s speeches involved topics such as financial planning, women-specific issues in retirement and money management.

Welch joins HKP Architects
Following his graduation from the University of British Columbia’s (UBC) School of Architecture, Dan Welch has joined the staff at HKP Architects in Mount Vernon.
Welch also possesses a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and education from Whitworth College in Spokane.
As part of his studies at the UBC, Welch completed a thesis which addressed the political, financial and social context of Bellingham’s neighborhood development. Having returned to Northwest Washington, Welch desires to become an active participant in regional design.
As an intern architect, Welch will work on master plans and buildings for a number of higher education institutions, including Bellingham Technical College and Skagit Valley College, the Children’s Museum of Skagit County as well as a number of private residences.

Burton is interim dean at WWU’s business college
Brian Burton has been appointed interim dean of the College of Business and Economics at Western Washington University.
Burton will serve a two-year term as interim dean. Dennis Murphy, who was dean of the college since the 1982-83 academic year, recently retired.
Burton, who has been at Western since 1995, was most recently the associate dean for administration and graduate programs, which includes directing the MBA program. He is a professor in the department of management.

Local lawmakers honored by AWB
The Association of Washington Business (AWB) will honor 45 state legislators, including three from Whatcom and Island counties, with AWB’s 2007 Cornerstone Awards. These awards recognize the lawmakers’ efforts in supporting Washington state’s business community.
These legislators have voted for business-friendly legislation and against legislation that might erode the state’s competitiveness. To receive the award, legislators must have a pro-business voting record of at least 80 percent.
The three local legislators that will receive the award are Rep. Barbara Bailey, R-Oak Harbor, Rep. Dan Ericksen, R-Bellingham, and Rep. Chris Strow, R-Clinton.
“With the Cornerstone Award we show our respect and appreciation to those lawmakers who stand with business to improve our state’s competitiveness, economic growth and job creation,” said Don Brunell, AWB’s president.

Curnow awarded forensic fellowship
Jack L. Curnow, a Bellingham-based certified public accountant, has been awarded a fellowship at the American College of Forensic Examiners Institute (ACFEI). The ACFEI trains and educates individuals who are engaged in forensic examinations in their field.
Fellowships are reserved for those who meet the stringent requirements of the ACFEI and possess knowledge, skill, training and experience in forensic science.
The ACFEI is an international organization with a membership consisting of professionals in the fields of medicine, psychology, criminology, toxicology, crime scene reconstruction, criminal investigation, engineering, risk analysis and voice identification, among others.

Bellingham’s First American adds staff, certifications
Bellingham-based First American Title & Escrow recently announced several appointments, certifications and additions to its staff.
Tammy Walker, a limited practice officer and 15-year employee, has been appointed as supervisor of the escrow department.
Elizabeth Thompson, who has been with First American in Western Washington for eight years, passed the limited practice officer exam in April.
Georgina Reed has joined First American as the receptionist.
Celeste Bailey and Leanne Geise have joined the office as escrow assistants.

Everett joins Whatcom Web
James Everett is the new manager of Whatcom County Guide, an online directory of Whatcom County and Bellingham businesses. Whatcom Web, which owns and operates the online directory, hired Everett in June. Everett is also a teacher at Bellingham High School.

Lynden Manor promotes Moorlag
Lynden Manor Assisted Living Residence has promoted Joy Moorlag to director of food services to replace Carol Gillaspy, who is retiring.
Moorlag has worked at Lynden Manor since shortly after it opened in 1997. She now is responsible for providing three meals daily for up to 115 residents. Moorlag manages two kitchens and a staff of 20 employees. She also plans menus and orders.
Moorlag also meets monthly with a committee of Lynden Manor residents to gain their suggestions for menus and recipes. “Our residents offer some great ideas and enjoy being involved in the process,” Moorlag said.

Kuepfer is network services manager at 3D Corporation
Paul Kuepfer has recently been appointed to the position of network services manager at 3D Corporation. Kuepfer brings to the new job 12 years of experience in technology support with organizations such as Price Waterhouse, Santa Clara University and Pharmacia. Kuepfer will be working to improve communication, customer service and project management for our network support clients.

Summit Bank promotes Lund
Summit Bank has recently announced that John Lund has been promoted to senior vice president and commercial loan officer at the bank’s Burlington location.
Summit Bank’s board of directors officially appointed Lund at its meeting July 19. The promotion recognizes Lund for his superior sales skills, knowledge and commitment to customer service.

Standow joins Whidbey Island Bank
Whidbey Island Bank has recently announced that Matt Standow has joined the bank as a real estate loan officer. Standow will be based in the bank’s Bakerview Road office in Bellingham. In this new position, Standow will be working with local agents, brokers, builders and bank customers to provide financing for real estate projects.
Standow has also been a member of the Whatcom County Association of Realtors since 2004 and has managed projects in Whatcom, Skagit and San Juan counties.

Fairhaven Realty’s James earns designation
Michael James of Fairhaven Realty, a branch of Lakeway Realty Inc. in Bellingham, has earned the EcoBroker Certified designation.
James’ successfully completed a training program that educated him on the energy and environmental issues that affect real estate transactions.
“The EcoBroker designation doesn’t make me an energy and environmental expert, but it allows me to better understand the issues and to convey this understanding to my buyers and sellers,” James said.

Rogers is new manager at ReUse Works
Thoren Rogers has been hired as the new manager and job coach at ReUse Works. Before joining ReUse Works, Rogers worked at the RE Store for five years as an assistant manager. Rogers is a lifelong resident of Whatcom County, a graduate of Ferndale High School, Whatcom Community College and Western Washington University. At WWU, Rogers earned a bachelor’s degree from Fairhaven College.
ReUse Works is a nonprofit organization that salvages and sells home appliances. As part of his new management responsibilities, he will coach the trainees that have been placed at ReUse Works by social service agencies and community-based education programs.

HBHansen Construction hires Rowlson
Lynden-based HBHansen Construction Inc. recently hired Patti Rowlson as its marketing and customer relations coordinator. Rowlson will coordinate marketing and advertising programs, provide customer relation services to clients and photograph company construction projects.
Rowlson, a resident of Whatcom County for 12 years, has a background in customer service, marketing and property management.

Reynolds to serve on state board
Dave Reynolds, a juvenile court administrator for Whatcom County, was recently selected to serve on the board of correctional training standards and education. The appointment is effective until June 2013.
The board consists of 14 members appointed by the executive director of the Criminal Justice Training Commission. Its purpose is to review commission programs and standards that train and educate correctional personnel. The board then recommends improvements to the programs.
Reynolds first began working for the Whatcom County Juvenile Court in 1991 as a juvenile corrections officer. He was appointed juvenile court administrator in July 2004.
Reynolds has a bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University and a master’s degree from Washington State University.


Saturna Capital hires three
Saturna Capital, an investment adviser to mutual funds and private accounts, has recently announced that three people have been added to its staff of 30 full-time employees.
Jim Gibson is the new chief financial officer. He will work closely with staff members to ensure accurate and timely reporting of financial information as well as performing internal audits, overseeing payroll, receivables, payables, tax planning and assisting with regulatory compliance.
Gibson was the chief operating officer and the chief financial officer of Premier Agendas Corporation, a Bellingham-based service and manufacturing company.
Saturna also hired Peter Nielsen, who will serve as the company’s senior investment analyst. Nielsen will analyze various markets, report to the portfolio managers and lead the research department. Previously, Nielsen worked as an assistant portfolio manager and a finance manager for B.C. Investment Management Corporation and also other investment management firms in British Columbia.
In addition, Saturna hired Chris Norman as its new systems analyst. Norman will be responsible for database programming and operations, Web programming and design. He comes to Saturna from Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, a Texas-based global petroleum development company, where he developed software to track production and inventory.

St. Clair joins Whidbey Island Bank
Whidbey Island Bank recently announced that Jackie St. Clair has joined the bank as a real estate loan officer. St. Clair will be based in the bank’s Anacortes office. St. Clair will be working with local agents, brokers, builders and bank customers to provide financing for real estate projects.
St. Clair is a native of Skagit County and serves as an active member of the North Puget Sound Association of Realtors. She holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Phoenix.

Mason completes Washington broker requirements
CENTURY 21 Bay Properties has recently announced that Steve Mason has received his real estate broker’s license for the state of Washington. He will continue to specialize in residential and commercial property sales in Whatcom County.
In addition to serving his clients, Mason will be the managing broker for the CENTURY 21 Bay Properties office in Bellingham.

Bruner is manager at TeaQuent Stop
TeaQuent Stop, located in Bellingham’s Bellis Fair mall, recently promoted Alex Bruner to manager.
Bruner is responsible for sales and marketing at TeaQuent Stop, which offers 120 varieties of premium loose-leaf teas and tea blends from around the world. TeaQuent Stop also serves bubble tea, gourmet tea frappes and fresh-brewed hot and iced tea.
Bruner previously worked as a sales associate at the Spice Hut. Both companies have the same ownership. Bruner, a Lynden resident, graduated from Meridian High School and attended Whatcom Community College.

Thetford promoted at Assist2Sell
Assist2Sell Home Buyers & Sellers Advantage has promoted Tami Thetford to be in charge of the company’s Assist2Buy division.
“Tami has many years of experience working at RE/MAX Whatcom County and at The Muljat Group which will be a huge advantage for our home buyers,” broker Robert Campbell said.
Thetford holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Western Washington University. She is a long-time Whatcom County resident and said she looks forward to sharing her experience and market knowledge with her clients.

Washington Mutual adds two
Washington Mutual recently announced that two consultants have been added to its Bellingham Home Loan Center.
Dan Innes joins the staff as a loan consultant and brings five years of retail and wholesale mortgage experience. Innes, a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and certified K-12 teacher, is an active member of the Bellingham Chamber of Commerce and Whatcom Young Professionals.
Jennifer Hine recently joined the Home Loan Center as a mortgage loan consultant. Hine has been with Washington Mutual for seven years and recently moved to the Bellingham area from Bothell.

Two retire from Whatcom Symphony Orchestra
Cecil Isaac, a musicologist and former Bellingham Herald music reviewer, has retired as concert lecturer at the Whatcom Symphony Orchestra (WSO). WWU music professor Edward Rutschman will take Isaac’s place. Rutschman teaches music history and theory also serves as organist at the Garden Street United Methodist Church.
Also, Mary Passmore has retired from her position as artistic administrator but will continue to play cello in the WSO. Pat Nelson, currently the orchestra’s music librarian, has been promoted to the vacant artistic administrator position. Nelson holds multiple music degrees and also plays with the Skagit Opera and Zephr Winds.
Tim Freeman will assume the music librarian position. A violinist with the WSO since 2003, Tim has played with the San Angelo Symphony in Texas, plays in the chamber music trio The Tritones, and is completing his degree at Fairhaven College.

Whatcom artist has work featured in capitol
The work of Whatcom County-based artist Jane Vanwerff is now on display in the office of Washington State Lt. Governor Brad Owen in Olympia.
A lifelong resident of Washington state, Vanwerff draws on personal experiences for inspiring her paintings. She says this includes “the secrets of a fountain in Port Townsend, tulips from Skagit fields, and the tragic days of terrorism.”
Representative paintings from Vanwerff will hang in the Owen’s office through Nov. 1.

DeYoung promoted to partner at Oltman Insurance
Oltman Insurance Agency is pleased to announce that Darin DeYoung has been made a partner in the agency. Darin joined Oltman Insurance as a producer in 2003. He is a graduate of Lynden Christian High School and Calvin College. He lives in Lynden with his wife, Niki, and their four children.

Barkley Boulevard Horizon Bank hires new retail office manager
Horizon Bank recently announced David Hannah has been hired as the new retail office manager for the bank’s office on Bellingham’s Barkley Boulevard.
Hannah also has the title of assistant vice president at the Barkley office. Hannah’s 35-year banking career has included both retail and corporate banking, as well as relationship management. He has worked with several major international banks, most recently with ABN AMRO Bank N.V. in Chicago.

Rose joins Mount Baker Theatre board
Matt Rose is the newest addition to the Mount Baker Theatre’s Board of Directors. Rose is currently the Chief Operating Officer of Northwest Radiologist/Mt. Baker Imaging, a medical imaging services corporation located in Northwest Washington.
A Bellingham native, Rose has served throughout the world as a U.S. Navy pilot, administrator and policy officer. He is a member of the Bellingham Bay Rotary club and serves on the boards of the Bellingham Technical College Foundation and the Mt. Baker chapter of the American Red Cross.
Rose possesses a bachelor’s degree from the U. S. Naval Academy and an master’s degree from Harvard. Locally, he performed minor roles in Western Washington University’s Summer Stock 2006 production of the Sound of Music.

Whatcom Museum has new executive director
Bellingham Mayor Tim Douglas recently announced that Patricia M. Leach has been appointed the executive director of the Whatcom Museum of History & Art.
Leach brings more than 25 years of experience in the field of nonprofit museum administration. She served as CEO and president of the Hermitage, which was the home of President Andrew Jackson and is located in Nashville, Tenn. The Hermitage is one of the nation’s largest and oldest historic site museums containing 1,120 acres and a campus of 38 buildings. Under her direction, the Hermitage became Nashville’s first Smithsonian Institution Affiliate Museum and a member of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail.
Leach has a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of California at Davis and an master’s degree from Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont, Calif. In California, Leach directed six museums, including the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles, the Redding Museum of Art & History, and the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas.

Riggins is dean of WWU’s performing arts college
Ron Riggins has been appointed as the dean of the College of Fine and Performing Arts at Western Washington University for a two-year term.
A search for a permanent dean for the college will be conducted at a later date. A limited-term appointment provides for a more stable situation for the college.
Riggins was the dean of Fairhaven College from July 2002 until he stepped down 2006, when he was succeeded by Roger Gilman.
At the College of Fine and Performing Arts, Riggins succeeds Carol Edwards, who left Western to become dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Texas Tech University.

Taylor completes CISR designation course
Suzanne Taylor, a personal lines customer service representative for the Bob Wallin Insurance agency of Bellingham, has successfully completed her Certified Insurance Service Representative’s “Insuring Personal Residence” course.
The insurance course Taylor completed was one of five parts offered by The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research of Washington. After completing all five courses and five comprehensive examinations, Taylor will receive the CISR designation by the National Alliance, the nation’s foremost provider of professional insurance and education.
Taylor grew up in Bellingham, went to college at Washington State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology.

Skagit Valley Food Co-op hires marketing and outreach coordinator
Mount Vernon’s Skagit Valley Food Co-op is pleased to announce Jodie Buller has been appointed to the newly created position of marketing and outreach coordinator. Buller has four years experience as a community writer for the Bellingham Weekly, Northwest Sun and Organic Press in Bellingham. She has done marketing work for R/West in Portland, Ore., and will be responsible for marketing and outreach efforts, including the development of a comprehensive community workshop schedule.

Zoro joins Wells Fargo’s wealth management group
Wells Fargo bank recently announced that Peggy Zoro has joined its wealth management group. Zoro will serve as the North Puget Sound regional manager. In this position, Zoro will oversee the investment, trust and private banking professionals that serve Wells Fargo customers in Anacortes, Bellingham, Everett and Mount Vernon.
A 37-year financial services veteran, Zoro has held several senior management positions. She has worked at Rainier Bank, Key Bank and most recently Whidbey Island Bank. Zoro received a master’s degree in guidance and psychology from the University of Louisiana at Monroe and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and science from Grove City College in Pennsylvania. She is also a graduate of Northwest Intermediate Banking School.

Erik Faiola joins Otion
Otion, a soap-making company located in downtown Bellingham, announced that Erik Faiola has been appointed manager.
Faiola grew up in Chehalis and attended college California. After school he worked his way up in the restaurant and serving industry while working for five years at La Travingne Restaurante, a highly rated restaurant in Napa Valley.
Faiola’s older sister, Anne-Marie, the founder and owner of Otion, wooed Erik back to the Pacific Northwest with a job offer.
“Erik’s extensive service industry experience is perfect for our retail store,” she said.

Lauder receives CHAM certification
Georgia Lauder, a patient access manager at United General Hospital, recently became a Certified Healthcare Access manager through the National Association of Healthcare Access Management at its recent conference in Charlotte, N.C.
The certification indicates that Lauder is an expert in patient access services. The testing covered management concepts, federal healthcare regulations and insurance arrangements, among other areas.
Lauder studied for the two-hour exam on her own and passed on her first try. Candidates must receive a score of 75 percent or higher for the certification. Lauder’s certification is valid for two years. She must pursue continuing education to keep the certification current.

Countrywide Home Loans hires three, adds certification
Countrywide Home Loans, located in Bellingham’s Barkley Village, is pleased to announce three recent hirings and one agent’s certification.
Josh Henry has joined the company as a new loan officer. Born and raised in Bellingham, Henry graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in math and economics. Henry worked most recently at WECU and is excited to begin his new career with Countrywide Home Loans.
Lisa Ferry has joined the company as a production assistant. She said she looks forward to supporting Home Loan Officers Travis HoGlin and Alycia Jackson so they can serve their clients and contacts better.
Additionally, the company recently hired Reanna Montgomery as a production assistant. Montgomery will assist Home Loan Officer Luke Kaemingk. Born and raised in Bellingham, Montgomery received a bachelor’s degree from WWU and most recently worked for Whatcom Land Trust.
The company also announced that HoGlin recently received his Multicultural Market Certification. This certification indicates that HoGlin has advanced knowledge about Countrywide Multicultural Home Loan programs, which will allow him to better serve his clients and business contacts.


Reeves earns LEED accreditation
Christina Reeves, a conservation resource analyst with Whatcom County, has earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) accreditation. To receive the accreditation Reeves had to pass an exam administered by the U.S. Green Building Council. She is now qualified to consult on environmentally friendly design and the operation of new and existing buildings.
Reeves’ accreditation provides credit toward making the Whatcom County Courthouse LEED certified, which would make it the second courthouse in the United States to attain this designation. Reeves’ accreditation will also be a valuable asset as the county implements green building options for future facilities.
County policy requires that all future building projects over 5,000 square feet must be constructed to at least LEED Silver specification.

Magnusson Earns SRES Designation
Keller Williams Western Realty is pleased to announce that agent Suzanne Magnusson has earned her Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation.
The designation indicates that Magnusson has taken special training in order to optimally assist persons 55 years of age or older in buying and selling real estate. Only 31 realtors in Whatcom County have this designation. Nationally, fewer than one percent of all Realtors have received this specialized training.
Magnusson has 13 years experience in the real estate sales industry, and joined Keller Williams in April of 2005. She utilizes the latest technology in market research to meet buyers’ and sellers’ needs and expectations.

COASTAL COMMUNITY BANK PROMOTES REINHARDT
Coastal Community Bank recently announced that Myra Reinhardt was promoted to assistant vice president of the Camano Island and Stanwood branches. Reinhardt has been with the bank since November 2005 as assistant manager of the two North Sound offices. She has been in banking for 12 years.
A Camano Island resident for 18 years, Reinhardt is actively involved in the community as past treasurer and board member of the Camano Island Chamber, board member and auction chair of the Stanwood-Camano Island Food Bank, and committee member of the Camano Island Senior and Community Center Auction.
Reinhardt will assume branch manager responsibilities previously possessed by Laura Byers, branch administrator and senior vice president. Byers will continue to be involved with the Camano Island and Stanwood branches through her branch administrator role from the bank’s main office in Everett.

Patchin joins Fairhaven Realty
Gary Patchin, a graduate gemologist with extensive experience in jewelry appraisals and sales, has joined Fairhaven Realty as a Realtor. Patchin previously worked at Gemological Laboratory of Pennsylvania Inc., a company he founded. He recently retired from the gaming industry to further his real estate career.

Holeman earns ABR designation
Keller Williams Western Realty is pleased to announce agent Pete Holeman has completed his Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) training.
The ABR designation is the mark of excellence in buyer’s representation and is awarded to real estate practitioners by the National Association of Realtors who meet specified education and practical experience criteria.
Holman has been a licensed Realtor in Whatcom County since joining Keller Williams three years ago and works with a wide variety of buyers and sellers.

Peoples Bank promotes Elefson
Rusti Elefson has been promoted to assistant vice president and secondary marketing manager at Peoples Bank, said Charlie Guildner, the bank’s senior vice president and real estate loan manager.
Elefson joined Peoples Bank in 2002 and has 10 years of financial services experience. She attended Skagit Valley Community College followed by Washington State University. Elefson donates her time to the local community through Future Farmers of America at Ferndale High School.
As assistant vice president, she will continue to be responsible for managing the bank’s pipeline of saleable loans and support loan representatives with product and pricing issues.

The Unity Group adds Morgan
The Unity Group recently announced that it has added Sheri Morgan to its employee benefits team as an employee benefits account manager.
With more than a decade of experience in the industry, Morgan has worked in both the carrier and broker side of the business. For the past three years, Morgan has focused on helping school districts develop and manage their employee benefits programs.
Serving the local community since 1929, The Unity Group is the largest independent insurance agency in the northern Puget Sound area.

Two from Keller Williams earn GRI designation
Keller Williams Western Realty is pleased to announce that agents Dale Serbousek and Nick Snow have achieved their Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI) designations.
GRIs are nationally recognized as top performers in the real estate industry. They are professionally trained, knowledgeable and dedicated to bringing quality service.
In the three years since Serbousek became an agent he has also achieved his ABR and ePRO designations as well. He is currently working on his CRS designation.
Nick Snow has been a licensed Realtor since joining Keller Williams Western Realty one year ago. He is an agent on the Home4Investment Team, which consists of 12 licensed agents in Whatcom County and others throughout the state that are ready to assist in consumers in their real estate needs.

Walton joins Keller Williams Western Realty
Christopher Walton has recently joined Keller Williams Western Realty as a sales agent.
A native of Washington state, Walton enjoys the outdoors and the easy access to great cultural life in Bellingham as well as close proximity to Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia.

Villhauer receives the Jack Phelan Award
Edward Jones financial adviser Tim Villhauer of Bellingham recently received the Jack Phelan Award for outstanding sales and service in the past year. Only 16 of the firm’s more than 10,000 financial advisers received the award. The award is named after firm’s former national sales manager, Jack Phelan. “When you work for a firm that is known for its outstanding service,” Villhauer said, “it’s quite an honor to be singled out for your service record.”

Skagit Valley Hospital CEO is president of board
Skagit Valley Hospital Chief Executive Officer Gregg Davidson was recently elected president of the Association of Washington Public Hospital District’s board of directors. Davidson was elected to the board in October 2005 and served as secretary and treasurer. AWPHD has served as the trade association for Washington state’s public health districts since 1952. Since 1998 it has been a nonprofit organization. Each of the 52-member public hospital districts is a government entity created by state law.

Coastal Community Bank appoints Brackett
Coastal Community Bank recently announced the appointment of Elizabeth Brackett to the position of business development officer. Brackett joins Coastal with extensive experience in banking and specializes in sales, service and training. She has worked in the banking and credit union industry in both the Seattle and Everett areas since 1974.
Brackett now resides in Camano Island where she and her husband, Pete, have recently purchased a home. Part of her responsibilities will be to work closely with the bank representatives that offer non-FDIC investments through Elliott Cove Capital Management. She is on schedule to obtain her Investment Adviser Representative license with Elliott Cove Capital Management. Brackett will be working from Coastal’s main branch in downtown Everett.

Murphy named WWU provost for limited term
Dennis R. Murphy has been appointed as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Western Washington University for a limited term, WWU President Karen Morse recently announced.
A limited-term appointment gives full decision-making authority to the provost and a more stable situation for the university. Murphy assumed his new duties Aug. 15. Murphy recently retired after a distinguished career as dean of the College of Business and Economics at Western. He succeeds Andrew Bodman, who left the provost position to return to teaching. “I am pleased to be in a position to work with President Morse during this transition period. WWU is an exciting university with an outstanding reputation for academic achievement and innovative programs,” Murphy said.