• RIM Architects has announced that Stacy Hansen has become licensed as an architect in the State of Alaska. In recognition of this achievement, Hansen has been promoted to associate. Hansen has eight years of experience in architecture and holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. In her six years with RIM Architects, Hansen has been a crucial design team member for numerous projects. She is currently involved in the design of a new Aeromedical Services/Mental Health Clinic at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

• The Alaska Council on Economic Education, based in Anchorage, has hired a new executive director. Karen Benning comes most recently from United Way of Anchorage, where she helped build community partnerships to improve school readiness. The Council's mission is to help ensure youngsters in grades kindergarten through 12 better understand economics so they can make informed choices and function in a changing world economy.

• Brad Cole, associate broker at Keller Williams Realty Alaska Group, was named the 2010 Realtor of the Year by the Valley Board of Realtors. This award is given to an individual who has displayed a strong sense of Realtor spirit, high principles, ethics and good real estate practices, leadership qualities with the local, state and national associations of Realtors, involvement in civic activities and strong business accomplishments.

Chelsea Lance-Westerberg, ad coordinator for Homes & Land Magazine, was named the 2010 Affiliate of the Year by the board. This award is given to the individual who has displayed a strong sense of affiliate spirit, and who contributes high attendance and participation with the board.

• The Petersen Group, Anchorage area home builder and land developer, said Trevor Edmondson has joined their team as project development manager. He is responsible for business development and management of The Petersen Group development projects. Edmondson has more than 17 years of experience in the project management and construction industry, including managing and leading the construction materials and land asset business for Granite Construction's Alaska Branch. Prior to Granite, Edmondson worked for DOWL Engineers. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in construction management from Washington State University.

• Phillips Cruises & Tours, the operator of the 26 Glacier Cruise out of Whittier, has hired Ethan Tyler for their team. Tyler will handle the local, national, and international sales effort on behalf of the company. Tyler brings with him more than 10 years of Alaska tourism management experience, having worked at Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, CIRI Alaska Tourism Corp., and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Tyler operates the tourism consulting company Alaska Tourism Solutions, and works closely with Alaska tourism companies.

• PDC Inc. Engineers has expanded their Anchorage structural department through the additions of Michael Spencer, PE, and Jake Horazdovsky, EIT. Spencer, a graduate of California Polytechnical University, has more than four years of structural engineering expertise in structural assessment and the analysis of existing and new structures. Additionally, he is skilled in lateral analysis for wind and earthquakes. He is also experienced with seismic bracing and support of mechanical and electrical systems. Horazdovsky is a graduate of the University of Alaska Fairbanks with a master's degree in civil engineering (with an emphasis in structural engineering). Their projects include concrete, steel, masonry, timber and aluminum designs for construction of commercial and institutional structures. PDC also announced that Amy Mestas, a structural engineer, has passed her Alaska professional engineering registration in civil engineering. Mestas attended the Illinois Institute of Technology, earning her B.S. and M.S. degrees in civil engineering. Since joining PDC in 2005, Mestas has worked on significant projects including the Point Lay Power Plant; the Chena Project Office Modernization;task orders for PDC's ML&P term contract; and elementary school projects for the Anchorage School District

• AMC Engineers announces John Hood, EIT, RCDD has been recognized as a Registered Communications Distribution Designer by the Building Industry Consulting Service International. Those awarded the RCDD credential have demonstrated expertise in the design, implementation, and integration of telecommunications, security, audio/visual and other related low voltage and IT infrastructure. Since joining the company, Hood has participated in several energy upgrades and remodels for multiple ASD schools, the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, and government agencies. Hood has considerable experience designing low voltage systems for several public works projects.

• Radiologist Heather Tauschek, M.D., recently returned to Alaska to join the women's imaging team at Alaska Radiology Associates and Imaging Associates of Providence. Tauschek is a board-certified radiologist, fellowship trained in breast imaging. She graduated summa cum laude from Seattle Pacific University and completed her medical degree at Weill Medical College of Cornell University. .She interned at the University of Hawaii Internal Medicine Residency in Honolulu and completed her residency in diagnostic radiology at the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology in St. Louis, where she also completed her fellowship training in breast imaging in 2010.

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