Business beat

New Faces

Ian Morse has been hired by Thomas J. Gerard and Associates Inc. as a mechanical engineer. He previously served as an energy efficiency intern for the Idaho Small Business Development Center and holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with a minor in biomedical engineering from Boise State University.

Humanix has hired Lori Lingenfelter as business development manager. She previously served as director of Human Resources for West Valley Staffing Group in the Silicon Valley. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management from Notre Dame de Namur University and has more than 20 years of staffing industry experience.

Eric Byrd has joined Stamper Rubens, P.S. He previously worked as a deputy prosecuting attorney for Stevens County. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history and philosophy from Gonzaga University and a juris doctorate degree from Gonzaga University School of Law.

The Dance Center of Spokane has hired Raleigh Brown as a step dance instructor. He previously played football for Whitworth University and the Spokane Shock.

Promotions

Staci Hufman has been promoted to a Staff A accountant by McDirmid Mikkelsen and Secrest, P.S. The firm also promoted Greg Kelly to a staff accountant.

Kudos

Cathie Griffith received a Friend of Housing Award from the Washington State Housing Finance Commission for her efforts in expanding affordable housing resources for low-income residents in Washington. Griffith works as a homeownership opportunities specialist for ARC of Spokane.

Len Walters received first place awards in Spokane’s Regional Bus Roadeo and in the Washington State Department of Transportation’s Public Transportation Conference and Roadeo for driver performance and safe operating practices. Walters is a First Transit operator and driver trainer for Spokane Transit Authority.

Cutco Cutlery kitchen cutlery manufacturer presented Aaron Love with its Marty Domitrovich Award for community involvement. Love is division manager for the company’s Spokane-based division.

Appointed

Gov. Chris Gregoire appointed Bridget Piper to the Community Colleges of Spokane Board of Trustees for a five-year term. Piper is a community volunteer and former Sterling Savings Bank officer.

Elected

The Spokane Lilac Festival Association has elected the following individuals as officers for its 2011 Executive Board: president, Myron Bursell; immediate past president, Arnold (Arne) Weinman; vice president of area relations, Laurine Logerwell; vice president of corporate development and president-elect 2012, Hal Patton; vice president of float, Richard Logerwell; vice president of hosting, Joan Petow; vice president of media and communications, Sara Desautel; vice president of director development, Christine Leva; vice president of parade, Mike Dedmon; vice president of royalty, Darla DeCristoforo; treasurer, Tes Strunk; and vice president of military and community affairs, Kathy Kendall.