Business beat
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Architecture
MMEC Architecture and Interiors has hired David Smart as a project architect and Rob Welch as a building information modeling manager. Smart has more than 10 years of commercial, higher education, government and residential design experience. He was previously with Bernardo|Wills Architects. Welch is a Construction Specifications Institute-certified construction documents technologist with 10 years of experience in architectural drafting and modeling, as well as information technology support.
Education
Glen Duncan has been named chair of the nutrition and exercise physiology program at Washington State University Health Sciences Spokane. Previously, Duncan was an associate professor and graduate program coordinator for the interdisciplinary graduate program in nutritional sciences at the University of Washington.
Finance
Idaho Independent Bank has promoted Lori Krafft to loan review officer. Krafft has been with the bank since 2014. She has more than 15 years of mortgage and banking experience.
Inland Northwest Bank has named Chad Burchard as a senior vice president and chief lending officer.
Insurance
Alex Puryear has joined Fidelity Associates as an account executive. Previously, Puryear was an account executive with Sentry Insurance.
PayneWest Insurance’s construction specialty division has relocated to 501 N. Riverpoint Blvd., Suite 403. For more information, visit www.PayneWest.com.
Health care
The Pet Emergency Clinic and Referral Center has hired Meredeth McEntire, a veterinary specialist and a clinical pathologist who will offer cytology services. McEntire earned a doctorate of veterinary medicine and completed her pathology residency at Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
Nonprofit
The Avista Foundation has awarded $81,500 in grants to organizations in Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Alaska to support programs in human care services, education, and economic and community vitality. The grants include $2,000 to support a job training program at Christ Kitchen.
Realty
Matt Bayley and Darcy Parsons have joined Keller Williams Realty Spokane.
Retail
Etailz has hired Alexa Borden as a first to market specialist, Ashley Clark as an inventory coordinator and Katherine Medina as a buyer.
Zak Designs has earned a Mom’s Choice Award (MCA) for their Toddlerific Cup. The MCA is a program that evaluates products and services created for children and families in the areas of production quality, design, educational value, entertainment value, originality, appeal and cost.
Sales
Visit Spokane has named Chris McKinney as director of national accounts. McKinney has experience in hotel industry sales and was previously with Renaissance Seattle Hotel.