New Hires & Promotions

Pullman, Washington-based Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories has named Ashok Balasubramanian as vice president of engineering services. Balasubramanian previously worked as senior engineering director.

Post Falls-based Jacklin Northwest has announced two leadership changes. Tag Jacklin has been promoted to president and CEO from president. Logan Brastrup has been promoted to chief financial officer from controller.

Heather Kuch has been promoted to senior project manager from project manager at Spokane Valley-based Victory Media.

Billings, Montana-based First Interstate Bank has hired Adam Brigham-Althoff as commercial relationship manager in Spokane. Brigham-Althoff previously worked for Wheatland Bank as relationship manager.

Wendy Phillips has joined Washington Trust Bank as business development officer. Phillips previously worked as market manager for Bellevue, Washington-based Coldstream Wealth Management.

Kiemle Hagood has hired Gunnar Knutson as a commercial real estate broker. Knutson previously worked for Salt Lake City-based RMT Equipment as territory manager.

Awards & Designations

Evergreen Bioscience Innovation Cluster has received a $5,000 grant from the Avista Foundation. The grant will support the acquisition of essential laboratory equipment.

Spokane-based interior design firm Designology Luxury Interiors Inc. has won the ASID/WA 2025 Best Commercial Project for its work on Kindred & Co., a bookstore and café in Post Falls.

Pullman, Washington-based Washington State University’s School of Hospitality Business Management has been ranked No. 2 in the 2025 Shanghai Rankings for hospitality and tourism management in the United States.

Thayne McCulloh, retired president of Gonzaga University, and Ana Mari Cauce, retired president of the University of Washington, have received the Spokane University District’s 2025 Impact Award for their efforts in establishing the UW-GU Health Partnership.

Spokane City Council Member Paul Dillon has received the Legislative Champion Award from We Train Washington.

The Washington State Department of Commerce has announced more than $680,000 in Child Care Partnership Grants to 13 local organizations throughout the state. Spokane County-based Rosalie Murrey Memorial Foundation will receive $70,000 in grant funds.

The Washington Climate Corps Network has awarded more than $400,000 in grant funds to four community-based organizations in Washington state. Vets on the Farm has received $175,000 in grant funds to support climate resilience in Spokane County.