New Hires & Promotions

Lewiston, Idaho-based oil and gas provider Coleman Oil Co. has hired Michael Blythe as senior human resources generalist for its Spokane location. Blythe previously worked in a fractional human resources role for Fireclay Tile Inc., a tile manufacturer in Spokane Valley.

Spokane-based law firm Witherspoon Brajcich McPhee PLLC has promoted TJ Burford to partner from associate.

The Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce has appointed Jessica "Jessie" Laughery as president and CEO. Laughery previously served as director of strategic programs and initiatives for Spokane-based Joya Child & Family Development.

Gonzaga University has appointed Jennifer Shepherd as dean of its School of Engineering and Applied Science. Shepherd has held the position on an interim basis since the 2024-2025 school year.

Dorothy Yeaw has been hired as a real estate broker for EXIT Real Estate Professionals, in Spokane. Yeaw previously worked for Newport, Washington-based Heart & Homes Northwest LLC, under the same title.

Spokane-based architecture firm NAC Inc. has hired Pierce McVey as healthcare design principal. McVey currently serves as president of the American Institute of Architects Academy of Architecture for Health. He is based in Columbus, Ohio, and leads the firm's health care practices at all offices, including in Spokane.

Awards & Designations

Six local Banner Bank employees have been selected to receive the Banner’s Best award: Trevor Shoemaker, Dotti Price, Nahiely Heredia, Erin Kloes, Amanda Lane, and Brenda Wilbur.

YWCA Spokane has announced its 2026 board of directors. Serving as executive officers are Kyndra Gamache, of Kalispel Tribal Economic Authority; Tamara Bradley, of Avista Corp.; and community volunteers Jeri Self-Merritt, Jennee' Pool, and Linda Hendrickson. Board members include: Chantel Black, of Spokane Community College; Dee Boyle, of Leadership Spokane; Charina Carothers, of Providential Solutions; Candy Casteal, of AgWest Farm Credit; Beth Kennar, of AgWest Farm Credit; Jerrall Haynes, of City of Spokane; Mackenzie Thompson, of Kaiser Aluminum; Danielle LaBelle, of Numerica Credit Union; Emily Peterson, of Bouten Construction; Ann Slininger, of Eide Bailly LLP; Calley Valicoff, of Coffman Engineers; Jennifer Vigil, of MultiCare; and Allena Warren, of Providence.

April Anderson, business systems analyst for Columbia Bank, has received the Columbia Bank Community Impact award.

Four Spokane County school districts have been honored with the State Superintendent's Award for Educational Excellence. Riverside School District, Freeman School District, Nine Mile Falls School District, and Liberty School District are among 46 school districts across the state to receive the award, which replaces the U.S. Department of Education's Blue Ribbon Schools Award program that was discontinued last year.

The Washington Office of Superintendent of Education has named Central Valley School District's McDonald Elementary a recipient of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act Distinguished Schools Award for 2025-26, for exceptional student performance for two or more consecutive years.

The Washington State Department of Commerce, with the Washington state Department of Children, Youth, and Families, has awarded $55.8 million in grants to 74 early learning providers throughout the state. Spokane County-based recipients include Excelsior Wellness, Spokane Housing Authority, Northeast Public Development Authority, Guardian Angels Childcare, Sun City Child Development Center, Salish School of Spokane, and Spokane Colleges.