Jun 12, 2026

Pacific Northwest Building Resilience Coalition

Lemay

The Pacific Northwest Building Resilience Coalition (PNBRC) has appointed Lionel Lemay as chairperson. A leader in engineering, sustainability, and industry advocacy, Lemay is known for building high performing teams and programs that advance innovation and growth across the building materials sector.

Lemay is the founder and CEO of ConcreteNexus LLC, a consulting firm dedicated to strengthening resiliency, innovation, and sustainability in the concrete industry through education, certification, and building codes and standards advocacy.

Prior to founding ConcreteNexus, Lemay served in several senior leadership roles, including executive vice president at the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) for 21 years, managing director at the Portland Cement Association (PCA) for 10 years, and director of engineering at Hansen Lind Meyer for seven years.

He is a registered professional engineer and structural engineer in Illinois, a LEED accredited professional, and an active member of ACI, ASTM, and ASCE committees. Lemay holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering and applied mechanics from McGill University in Montreal, Canada.

Lemay succeeds Bill Larson, who is retiring after 10 years as Chairperson.

PNBRC’s mission is to unite the resources of the cement, concrete, masonry, and reinforcing steel industries to position concrete, through education and advocacy, as the material of choice for low-, mid-, and high-rise construction across the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada.

Highline College

George

Des Moines City Attorney Tim George has been named Highline College’s 2026 Distinguished Alumnus for his impact in creating public spaces and services for the community he grew up in.

With all city projects requiring his legal sign-off before moving forward, the South King County native views his role as a problem solver. If issues arise, he fixes them to keep the project on track and on time. Some of the projects George has approved include the Link light-rail extension, marina improvements, a fishing pier replacement, new parks and forested areas.

Starting as a Running Start student, George graduated from Highline with an associate degree in 2002, and said that having grown up in the area, it’s especially rewarding to give back to the community that gave him so much.

Harking back to his years at Highline, George’s interest in law was sparked by a few criminal justice classes. He also took writing classes and discovered an interest and a talent for writing that was ignited by his professor.

After graduating from Highline, George pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Washington and a Juris Doctor degree at California Western School of Law.

Jun 10, 2026

Patrick Hardwoods

Gray

Patrick Lumber Company, a century-old lumber wholesaler and specialty wood supplier, promoted Mark Gray to president of Patrick Hardwoods, a new premium hardwoods business the company launched last year. After more than a decade spent shaping the strategic direction of the Patrick Lumber family of companies, Gray is well-equipped to lead and support Patrick Hardwoods' growing reputation in the Pacific Northwest hardwood market, the company said.

“Mark has spent more than a decade across our trading and manufacturing operations,” said Natalie Heacock, president of Patrick Lumber. “He knows where specialty wood creates value, and he'll put that knowledge to work building Patrick Hardwoods' position in the Pacific Northwest.”

A graduate of Gonzaga University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics and Finance, Gray joined Patrick Lumber in 2013 and has held a range of leadership positions across the company's trading and manufacturing operations. Most recently, he served as the vice president of Patrick Lumber Manufacturing. When PLC established Patrick Hardwoods in 2025, expanding into premium local hardwoods, Gray was central to its formation and early direction. Today, he brings the same tenacity and drive to his latest role as president of Patrick Hardwoods.

Patrick Hardwoods operates out of a dedicated hardwood mill at the company's Philomath, Oregon campus, manufacturing a range of Pacific Northwest hardwood species, including an unconventional longer-length alder that exceeds the industry's typical 12-foot standard.

May 29, 2026

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) announced the recipients of the SEL Scholarship Program for the 2026–27 academic year. This year, SEL awarded 15 scholarships — 13 valued at $5,000 and two at $2,500 — to outstanding students pursuing degrees in engineering and applied technology.

In addition to financial support, the SEL Scholarship Program reflects the long-standing commitment of SEL to education, innovation and empowering the next generation of engineers and technologists. By investing in students who demonstrate both technical promise and strong character, SEL aims to support future leaders who will help make electric power safer, more reliable and more economical.

Meet the scholars:

Bhavana Shree Pothuri, electrical engineering, Texas A&M University

Laura Harris, computer engineering, University of Idaho

Miram Elag, electrical engineering, Purdue University

Mason Heiner, electrical engineering, University of Idaho

Andrew Hunt, electrical engineering, Washington State University

Roslynn Movius, electrical engineering technology, Lewis-Clark State College

William Ingels, computer engineering, Michigan Technological University

Silas Smith, computer engineering, Colorado School of Mines

Jared McCrory, engineering, Whitworth University

Charles Liu, computer science, Washington State University

Chiagoziem Nzewi, electrical engineering, Drexel University

Mame Diop, electrical engineering, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Scott Sagen, electrical engineering, Boise State University

Kolby Uhlenkott, electrical engineering, Montana Technological University

Micah Spencer, robotics and communications systems engineering technology, Idaho State University

SEL invents, designs and builds digital products and systems that protect power grids around the world. This technology prevents blackouts and enables customers to improve power system reliability, safety and cost. SEL, a 100% employee-owned company that is headquartered in Pullman, has manufactured products in the United States since 1984 and now serves customers in 174 countries. SEL provides unmatched technical support, customer service and a 10-year worldwide warranty.

May 28, 2026

Skanska

Gabales

Skanska, a global construction and development firm, has hired Ivi Gabales as senior director-business development strategist for its Seattle office. Gabales brings nearly 20 years of experience across architecture, engineering, marketing and business development leadership in the architecture, engineering and construction industry, including roles at Rice Fergus Miller, Glumac and BCRA, as well as leading her own AEC consulting practice.

In her new role, Gabales will lead strategic business development initiatives focused on strengthening client relationships, expanding market opportunities, and supporting long-term growth across key sectors in the Pacific Northwest.

“Ivi's experience across the AEC industry, combined with her strong relationships throughout the region, makes her an important addition to our team,” said Don Kowalchuk, executive vice president and general manager, Skanska USA Building in Seattle. “She brings the strategic mindset and market understanding needed to help us build on our momentum in Seattle and identify new opportunities across the Pacific Northwest.”

Gabales began her career as an architect before moving into marketing and business development leadership.

Gabales holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of the Philippines and serves on the boards of the Seattle Architecture Foundation and the Filipino American Construction Professionals of the Northwest (FACPROS).