Jun 02, 2023

Department of Veterans Affairs

Gilbert

Solomon Gilbert is the new deputy director of the state Department of Veterans Affairs. Gilbert has over 22 years of leadership and management experience, including enterprise-level supervision of staff across a large geographic region. His background includes service in the nonprofit sector as the senior vice president and HR director for the YMCA of Greater Seattle. Before that, he was HR administrator within the state Department of Children Youth and Families. Gilbert also served 21 years in the United States Army, where he performed a myriad of high-impact functions, including working at the Pentagon.

UFCW 3000

United Food and Commercial Workers 3000 has created the Essential Workers Organizing Academy, an initiative to develop the next generation of worker-leaders. The union says it is dedicating resources to train new worker-organizers, assist in organizing their workplaces, and collaboratively develop new organizing campaigns. The program combines formal training, readings and instruction with hands-on organizing experience. UFCW 3000 is targeting five to 10 new worker-organizers for its pilot year of the academy.

Jun 01, 2023

Seattle Veterinary Outreach

Raj

Rachele Raj is the new executive director for Seattle Veterinary Outreach, a provider of free and reduced-cost veterinary care for pets of people experiencing homelessness and low-income families. Raj is one of the founding members of SVO, and was the organization's program and operations manager until 2021. Since 2002, she has been involved in both animal welfare and social services organizations, most recently as a volunteer and foster care programs manager for Everett Animal Shelter. Raj will start her new role on June 12. SVO also connects pet owners to vital health, housing and social service resources.

Seagen

In Bothell, biotechnology company Seagen announced that its stockholders have approved Pfizer's acquisition of the company for $229 per share in cash. More than 99% of the shares voted at a special meeting were in favor of the deal. Pending regulatory approvals, the acquisition is expected to close late this year or in early 2024. Seagen develops cancer medicines.

May 31, 2023

Johnston Training Group

Consulting firm Johnston Training Group changed its name to Johnston Framework. The company was founded in 1979 by Karen Johnston, who transformed the company in 2000 to focus on communication skills in the AEC industry, and developed a methodology based on accelerated learning. This training enabled technical professionals to “learn by doing” quickly and to communicate effectively in project interviews. Karen's son, Scott Johnston, joined the company in 2015 and took over operations in 2020 when she retired. According to Scott, the new name communicates that the process he uses is more than a one-time effort — it's the foundation for building permanent change that sticks with clients for life. The company also changed its logo, website and email. Its three core offerings are interview skills, interview coaching and business development. Scott says he also has a new offering on how to navigate difficult communications.

Data I/O

Redmond-based Data I/O says its stock will become part of the Russell Microcap Index at the conclusion of the 2023 Russell indexes annual reconstitution, effective after the market closes on June 23. Membership in the index, which remains in place for one year, results in automatic inclusion in any growth and value style funds or other portfolios modeled after the index. Data I/O provides security and data deployment solutions for microcontrollers, security ICs and memory devices.

May 26, 2023

Snohomish County Superior Court

Steffener

Gov. Jay Inslee appointed Will Steffener to the Snohomish County Superior Court. He will replace judge Janice Ellis, who is retiring June 30. Since 2021, Steffener has maintained a private practice at Deno Millikan Law Firm in Everett, handling family law, probate and estate planning, landlord/tenant law, and other civil litigation matters. From 2013 to 2021, he worked at the Snohomish County Prosecutor's Office in its Municipal Law and Involuntary Treatment Act units. Earlier in his legal career, he worked as a criminal defense attorney at the Snohomish County Public Defender Association. Steffener has led the Snohomish County Bar Association in various roles, and served as its president in 2013. He holds a bachelor's degree from Western Washington University and a law degree from the University of Montana School of Law.

Nike

Williams

O'Neill

Beaverton, Oregon-based Nike announced senior leadership changes: Heidi O'Neill, currently president of consumer and marketplace, will become president of consumer, product and brand; Craig Williams, currently president of the Jordan brand, will become president of geographies and marketplace; Matthew Friend, executive vice president and CFO, will expand his responsibilities to include procurement, global places and services, and demand and supply management; Sarah Mensah, vice president/general manager of North America, will become president of the Jordan brand; Andy Campion, chief operating officer, will take on a new leadership role as managing director of strategic business ventures; and Scott Uzzell, currently CEO of Converse, will become vice president/general manager of North America, reporting to Williams.

A 24-year Nike veteran, O'Neill's previous roles include president of Nike Direct, accelerating Nike's retail and digital-commerce business. O'Neill was also responsible for creating and leading Nike women's business.

Williams will lead Nike's four geographies and marketplace across its direct and wholesale business. In addition, Williams will lead Nike's supply chain and logistics. Williams joined Nike in 2019 as president of the Jordan brand. Williams has decades of enterprise experience building global brands and creating consumer relationships.

As part of his new role, Campion will oversee Nike Virtual Studios and lead teams across Nike's world headquarters and Los Angeles-based offices.

Michael Spillane, president of consumer creation, will retire later in 2023 after 16 years with the company.

Uzzell's successor will be named shortly.