Business Beat

Architecture

ALSC Architects of Spokane has promoted Robin Pecka, Jodi Kittel and Connor Nicholas to associate. Pecka earned a master’s degree in interior design from Washington State University in 2004, and her current projects include the Walla Walla Community College Science and Technology Building and Highland Middle School. Kittel holds a bachelor’s degree in architectural studies and architecture from Washington State University, and her recent projects include Creekside Elementary School and Amistad Elementary School. Nicholas earned a master’s in architecture from Savannah College of Art and Design in 2013, and his recent projects include Cheney High School, Highland Middle School and Riverbend Mixed Use Project in Spokane.

Architects West has hired Kathy Russell as a project architect/project manager. She has 26 years of experience in architecture and previously worked for ALSC Architects. Russell is the 2020 American Institute of Architects Spokane president.

Banking

Spokane Teachers Credit Union has hired Jane Larson as a business development officer. She has more than 20 years of experience in consumer and commercial banking experience and worked previously for Washington Trust Bank.

Education

The University of Idaho has appointed Christopher Nomura vice president of research and economic development effective Oct. 1. He is currently vice president for research and a biochemistry professor at State University of New York’s College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Nomura holds a doctoral degree in biochemistry, microbiology and molecular biology from Pennsylvania State University and has more than 85 publications in journals in his field.

Health

Spokane Shriners Hospital has hired Derrek Hidalgo as its director of patient care services and nurse executive. He worked previously at MultiCare Deaconess as the director of critical care services. From 2009-10, Hidalgo was the hospital administrator for a small facility in Maine Soroa in Niger, West Africa.