Business Beat: A collection of regional business achievement and advancement

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Communications

Kathy Barnard has joined the University of Idaho (UI) as the executive director of the Office of Alumni Relations and the University of Idaho Alumni Association, effective Jan. 19. Barnard is a graduate of UI and was previously the executive director of University Communications at Washington State University.

Finance

Dingus, Zarecor & Associates PLLC has hired Cadria Pavlenco and Sara Blickhahn as staff accountants. Pavlenco holds a bachelor’s degree in professional accounting and business administration from Eastern Washington University. Blickhahn holds a bachelor’s degree in professional accounting from Eastern Washington University.

Health care

Jessica Mason has joined Washington State University Spokane as a psychologist and counselor in the student affairs office. Previously, Mason was a counselor for students and liaison to faculty for two years at the University of Alaska-Anchorage.

Christopher Brown, a restorative coordinator and CNA at Prestige Care’s Sullivan Park Care Center, has been named a recipient of the Washington Health Care Association Chapter 10 Caregiver of the Year Award. The award was given in recognition of Brown’s work improving the quality of life and care for seniors at Sullivan.

Law

Witherspoon Kelley has been recognized as a top law firm in the annual U.S. News & World Report-Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” survey. Several Witherspoon Kelley lawyers were named to the 2016 edition of Best Lawyers in America, including: Ryan M. Beaudoin, F.J. Dullanty, Jr., Mary R. Giannini, Timothy M. Lawlor, Michael F. Nienstedt, Brian T. Rekofke, John M. Riley, III, Stanley M. Schwartz, Duane M. Swinton, William M. Symmes, and Joseph H. Wessman.

Realty

Jason Jackson has joined Kiemle & Hagood Company as a senior commercial property manager in the commercial management division. Jackson has more than 10 years of experience in commercial real estate. He is an Accredited Residential Manager.