Business beat

New faces

ALSC Architects of Spokane has hired Scott Nicks as a project manager. He holds a bachelor’s degree in architectural studies from the University of Washington and has previous retail, office and recreational facilities project experience.

Fidelity Associates has hired Jarrett Stewart as an account executive. He worked as a business financial incentives executive for the past six years. He graduated from Washington State University and served with Papa Battery 5/14 in the Marine Corps. The company has also hired Veronica Bergeron as an agent. She has more than 20 years of insurance industry experience and previously worked as an individual account manager for Moloney + O’Neill.

Adrianne Lara has been hired as an academic coordinator for Washington State University Spokane’s master of health policy and administration program. She previously worked as a French and Spanish middle school teacher for Saint George’s School. She holds a bachelor’s degree in romance languages and literatures from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s degree in business administration from Eastern Washington University.

Heather Byrd has been hired as director of development and communications for The Salvation Army of Spokane. She previously worked for KREM-TV and Wells Fargo and has 12 years of related experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and business administration from Washington State University.

Promotion

Kiemle and Hagood Co. promoted Doug Dittamore from property manager to senior property manager of the company’s commercial management division. He has been with the company since 2000.

Kudos

Collins Sprague received the 2010 Ron Gjerde Award from the Association of Washington Business for being a top business lobbyist. Sprague is manager of state government relations for Avista Utilities.

Elected

Northwest Professional Educators has elected Brad Patzer of St. Maries to its board of directors. Patzer is principal and Region 1 district liaison for the Idaho Digital Learning Academy. The organization also re-elected Bill Proser of Coeur d’Alene to the board. Proser is a founder, former principal and teacher at Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy.

The following individuals have been elected as 2010-11 officers for Spokane Insurance Associates: president, Anitta Valdez, Cochrane and Co.; vice president, Heather Anderson, Wells Fargo Insurance Services; secretary, Rose Chambers, Fidelity Associates; and treasurer, Edie Lewis, Wells Fargo Insurance Services. Two-year board members include: Sherry Westermann, Western States Insurance; and Karen Jared Munsey, Fidelity Associates. One-year board members include: Mary Lemon, Fidelity Associates; and Lauren Powell, Travelers Insurance Company.

New business

Patrick Kirby has opened Patrick J. Kirby Law Office, PLLC in Spokane. His practice specializes in employment law and business litigation. Kirby holds a bachelor’s degree in business economics from Marquette University. He is a graduate of Gonzaga University School of Law and served as a lieutenant in the Navy. Location: Paulsen Center, Suite 802, 421 W. Riverside Ave. Contact: (509) 835-1200. Website: www.pkirbylaw.com.