New Hires & Promotions 

Tacoma, Washington-based Columbia Bank has promoted Paul Ellyson to senior vice president and commercial banking market manager in Spokane. Ellyson previously served as senior commercial relationship manager.

Spokane-based Path of Hope Rescue, a dog adoption and rescue organization, has named Amy Salts as chief of operations. Salts previously worked as a concierge for Rockwood Retirement Communities' South Hill community.

Washington State University has appointed Julie Akers as dean of the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Akers previously served in this role on an interim basis.

Spokane-based Washington Trust Bank has promoted Senior Vice President Toni Fredrick to team leader of the Spokane private banking team. Fredrick previously served as relationship manager.

Coeur d’Alene-based Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty has hired Jimmy Everett as real estate sales associate. Previously, Everett was a sponsored fitness athlete.

Worley-based Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel has promoted Nautice Pham to chief financial officer from financial controller.

Awards & Designations

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America has awarded Kal Zaranec, superintendent for Circling Raven Golf Club, with a Certified Golf Course Superintendent accreditation. The program highlights applicants who display continued growth and development, and who have completed specific education and experience requirements.

The American Nurses Credentialing Center has recognized Coeur d’Alene-based Kootenai Health with a Magnet recognition for the fifth time. The Magnet Recognition Program distinguishes healthcare organizations that meet rigorous standards for nursing excellence.

The Council for Advancement and Support of Education, or CASE, has selected Heather Beebe-Stevens, the foundation executive director for Spokane Colleges, to serve on the U.S./Canada Regional Council and the CASE Commission on Philanthropy. For the U.S./Canada Regional Council, Beebe-Stevens will advise the CASE Board of Trustees on growth and retention. For the CASE Commission on Philanthropy, Beebe-Stevens will identify challenges and offer guidance to the advisory committee.

Philanthropy

Des Plaines, Illinois-based Riddell, a sports company specializing in football equipment, has given $15,000 to Spokane Valley-based University High School as a part of the Smarter Football grant program. The initiative selects high school football programs nationwide that are committed to improving the experiences of student athletes.

Spokane-based AgWest Farm Credit has awarded 30 new agricultural producers across the West with $15,000 in start-up funding through AgWest’s 2026 New Producer Grant. Among the organizations awarded is Deer Park-based Mom’s Garden Patch, a farmstand and farmers market.

Terry and Patt Payne have donated $7 million to Spokane-based Gonzaga University to launch the Payne Student Success Initiative and support the Gonzaga Promise Fund. The donation will provide financial support to students affected by reductions to the Washington College Grant while awarding scholarship support to student development.

Spokane-based Excelsior Wellness, a nonprofit healthcare organization, has donated $36,000 to 15 local nonprofits that are supporting community recovery from the Spokane Complex Fires.