New Hires and Promotions

Spokane’s University District Development Association has hired Jeffrey Samson as director of finance and grants administration. Samson previously served as the director of finance at Spokane nonprofit Thrive International and deputy chief of finance and administration at the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority.

Spokane-based MW Engineers has promoted Dean Algeo to electrical principal. He previously worked as an electrical associate.

Spokane-based nonprofit organization Innovia Foundation has hired Dave Sonntag as chief philanthropy officer. Sonntag previously worked as vice president of marketing for United Soccer League Spokane.

Spokane-based commercial real estate brokerage NAI Black has hired Creighton Morfitt as a sales and leasing broker. He previously worked for Waltham, Massachusetts-based Thermo Fisher Scientific as senior manager of procurement. 

The Journal of Business has promoted two employees. Erica Bullock has been promoted to sections editor, and Dylan Harris has been promoted to digital editor. Both previously worked as reporters at the newspaper.

Phoenix-based law firm Fennemore has hired attorney Peter J. Smith IV as director of its Coeur d'Alene firm. Licensed in both Idaho and Washington, Smith previously worked for Spokane-based law firm Lukins & Annis PS and founded his own firm, Smith + Malek, in 2015. He brings experience in business transactions, commercial real estate, mining, and corporate law. 

Providence Inland Northwest Washington has hired four providers at its Stevens County clinics. Dr. Craig Wolfe has joined the Providence clinic in Kettle Falls. He is board certified in both family practice and osteopathic manipulative medicine.  Dr. Ryan Lucas and Ashton Wegeleben join the Providence Colville clinic. Lucas is board certified in family practice and completed his residency in Stevens County. Wegeleben graduated from the University of Washington Medex Physician’s Assistant Program in 2014 and practices family practice and female health. Dr. Melanie Barnes joins the Providence clinic in Chewelah. She is board certified in family practice. 

Philanthropy

Eastern Washington University has received a gift of just over $250,000 for national parks-focused student learning. The gift, which is intended to give students experiential learning and career development opportunities, was announced at the launch of Giving Joy Day as part of EWU’s 143rd birthday celebration.