People, places

New jobs, new faces

East Wenatchee's Smithson Insurance Services announced the addition of Yuriko L. Robles. Robles previously worked with the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors program and is a licensed and accredited insurance broker.

Additionally, Robles and Kathy Smithson have attended professional educational conferences through the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals, various companies in the greater North Central Washington area for upcoming enrollment periods, as well as the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, according to a Smithson Insurance Services news release.

Cordell, Neher & Company PLLC announced the recent hiring of six new professionals:

Johnathan Cobarruvias has j

oined as an associate. He earned a bachelor's degree in accounting with minors in Spanish and economics from Eastern Washington University.Curtis

Parish has b

een hired as a client accounting specialist. Parish holds an associate of technical science in accounting from Wenatchee Valley College.Jenny

Taylor has j

oined the firm with expertise in accounts payable and receivable across multiple industries and holds Accounting Fundamentals I and II certificates.Katlyn

Slone has b

een named strategic operations lead. Slone graduated cum laude from Principia College with a degree in political science and a minor in Spanish, and brings a background in nonprofit leadership and organizational development.Bergen

Griggs has j

oined as a manager. Griggs earned dual bachelor of science degrees in accounting and business administration with a specialization in finance from Central Washington University.Nate D

rescher joine

d the firm as a client accounting services supervisor. Drescher earned dual bachelor of science degrees in accounting and business administration from Central Washington University.

Jazzercise Wenatchee Valley has a new owner. Kathy Coffey, a longtime resident, assumed class ownership of the international franchise effective Oct. 1. The operation will remain at its current location, 601 N. Chelan Ave. in Wenatchee. Coffey started as a class member in 2010 and became an instructor a few years later. Amy Garrison, the former class owner, will stay on as an instructor.

Established in 1969, Jazzercise is an international exercise franchise located in 32 countries. The program blends dance with Pilates, yoga, kickboxing and strength training for a full-body workout. The Wenatchee location offers seven classes per week for all fitness levels. For more information, contact Kathy at 509-881-1698.

Congrats

Confluence Health Chief Executive Officer Dr. Andrew Jones received the 2025 Grassroots Champion Award for healthcare advocacy at the recent annual membership meeting of the Washington State Hospital Association.

The Grassroots Champion Award, presented by the American Hospital Association to one person in each state selected by that state's hospital association, recognizes hospital leaders who educate elected officials about hospitals' roles in their communities and work to broaden support for healthcare organizations to advocate for patients and their care, according to a Confluence Health news release.

"I am honored by this recognition for the work we have been doing in advocacy," Jones said in the release. "It was wonderful to see this work and its importance to our patients recognized, and I was personally humbled and grateful for the show of support... This award is an incredible honor, and it reflects the importance of making sure those stories guide decisions that impact care."

NCW Tech Alliance honored this year's finalists at its 24th Annual Innovator Awards Luncheon at the Wenatchee Convention Center.

Edwin Eaton, owner of local janitorial company iPro Building Services and entrepreneur behind BluePrint Consulting and Cinch Software, was named Entrepreneur of the Year for his leadership and innovation in business development.

Bigfoot Communications, a social purpose enterprise of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, received the Newcomer in Technology Award for its work expanding broadband access and digital sovereignty across tribal lands, including households, schools and health services. Executive Director Ernie Rasmussen accepted the award.

Lindsay Groce, a professor of chemistry at Big Bend Community College, received the STEM Champion of the Year Award for her efforts to expand access and belonging in STEM through mentorship, outreach and the creation of programs such as STEMPosium.

Wenatchee Valley College students Dillon Cornelius and Juan Martinez were named STEM College Innovators of the Year for designing an electromechanical control system for the Dryden Dam in collaboration with engineers at Chelan PUD. Through 3D modeling, prototyping and a presentation to PUD commissioners, their student-led project connected education and industry while strengthening local infrastructure and supporting agriculture and salmon research.

Gerardo Guerrero, a Quincy High School junior, received the K–12 Future Technology Leader of the Year Award for his creativity and leadership in computer science. Guerrero built a four-level video game from scratch using the Godot engine, blending advanced coding, UX design and hardware skills.