New Hires & Promotions

Seattle-based KPFF Consulting Engineers has hired one new professional who will work at its Spokane and Coeur d’Alene offices and has promoted another. Chariti Zlateff has been hired as a senior transportation engineer and project manager for both locations. Zlateff previously worked for Lochner, in Spokane.  Brandon Blankenagel has been promoted to associate. Blankenagel joined the firm in 2019 as a senior transportation engineer and project manager.

First Interstate Bank has hired Heidi Keizer as a senior internal auditor in the bank's Spokane market. Keizer has nine years of experience as an internal audit consultant and financial examiner.

Eastern Washington University has hired Dr. Osman Özturgut as its new College of Professional Programs dean. Özturgut previously was the School of Professional Studies and Associate Provost of Strategic Outreach and Partnerships dean at the University of the Incarnate Word, in San Antonio, Texas. 

Whitworth University has hired Joe Hughes as its new associate vice president of marketing and communications. Hughes previously held a similar position for seven years at The College of Idaho in Caldwell, Idaho.  Prior to that, he was the director of athletic marketing and a major gifts officer in the college relations department at The College of Idaho.

Spokane-based employer consulting and legal services group Associated Industries has hired Megan Livres as legal counsel. Livres previously worked for Spokane-based law firm Paine Hamblen. Associated Industries also has promoted Sara Morrison to business development and workforce training. Morrison was previously a human resources adviser.

Kennewick, Washington-based Petersen Hastings Wealth Advisors has hired Sean O’Keefe as a retirement plans adviser for its Spokane, Sandpoint, and Coeur d’Alene markets. O’Keefe previously owned a manufacturing business in Spokane and will lead the company’s expansion efforts.

Awards & Designations

Innovia Foundation has announced its board officers for fiscal year 2025. Marcelo Morales, the founder of A4Ventures, was elected president. Ryan Nipp, partner and asset manager at Parkwood Business Properties, will serve as vice president. Secretary-treasurer position will be filled by Pullman City Councilmember Patricia “Pat” Wright. The Immediate past president is Rick Rasmussen, CEO of Post Falls- based Northwest Specialty Hospital.

Philanthropy

Disability Action Center Northeast Washington awarded the Tom McTevia Memorial Award to ParaSport Spokane at the Disability Pride Celebration in Riverfront Park. ParaSport Spokane provides training, recreational, and competitive opportunities for youth and young adults with disabilities. McTevia, a former police officer and Navy veteran, advocated for wheelchair accessibility before his death in 2015.

Avista Foundation awarded $201,750 in grants to 40 nonprofit organizations in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon to support education and youth development. Recipients include: Active4Youth, College Success Foundation, Eastern Washington University Foundation, Believe in Me, Gonzaga University, and Millwood Impact. The Avista Foundation offers four grant cycles each year, and since its establishment in 2002, has made grants totaling over $16 million.