Rutherford, Williams to run elementary schools

Bill Rutherford will take the helm at Fernan Elementary School next year. Rutherford is currently Fernan's counselor and has been a principal back-up designee for the district at both Fernan and Atlas Elementary the past several years. He has a master's in education, counseling and human services from the University of Idaho.

Michelle Williams will lead Winton Elementary School next year. She is currently the assistant principal at Ramsey Magnet School of Science and teaches 7th grade life science at Canfield Middle School. Williams has a master's in educational leadership from the University of Idaho and a principal certification.

The retirements of principals Joel Palmer at Bryan Elementary and Scott Freeby at Fernan Elementary triggered leadership vacancies.

Kristin Gorringe, current principal of Winton Elementary, will lead Bryan Elementary next year as its new principal.

Wheir accepts senior VP, area manager titles at Alliance

Alliance Title & Escrow Corp. announced that Jack Wheir has accepted the senior vice president and area manager position in Coeur d'Alene. In his new role, Wheir will be responsible for leading Alliance's team of professionals in Bonner, Kootenai, and Shoshone counties.

For the past eight years, Wheir has managed Alliance's Coeur d'Alene operation as vice president and general manager. Wheir brings to his new position more than 31 years of combined management and title and escrow industry experience.

Wheir has been active in Coeur d'Alene's business community, being involved and/or providing support for numerous organizations, currently as a volunteer for the St. Vincent de Paul Steak Fry fundraiser and as an instructor for the CDA Association of Realtors Finally Home program.

Zebe joins Coldwell Banker

Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT Salt Lake Office, announced that commercial real estate broker Don Zebe has joined the firm's Idaho expansion effort as vice president of retail and investment properties. Zebe expands CBC's growing presence in Idaho by covering the Pocatello area, including Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, and Rexburg.

Hired as the newest Idaho broker at CBC, Zebe has more than 10 years of experience as a retail, restaurant and shopping center specialist, having acquired, leased, developed or sold more than 2 million square feet during his commercial real estate career.

"We are excited to build a greater presence in the Rocky Mountain region," said CBC Chief Operating Officer Randy Owen. "It's a pleasure to have Don on board representing Eastern Idaho on behalf of Coldwell Banker Commercial."

Bobbitt appointed to FHLB board

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle announced the appointment of David P. Bobbitt of Coeur d'Alene to serve on the Seattle Bank's Board of Directors as a member director representing the state of Idaho.

Bobbitt is chairman and chief executive officer of Community 1st Bank in Post Falls, and brings over 43 years of community banking experience to the Seattle Bank's board.

Bobbitt chartered Community 1st Bank in June 2007, and the company has since grown to $74 million in assets.

He is actively involved in his local community and serves as chairman of Pacific Coast Banking School and on the boards of Western Independent Bankers and the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce.

Dutch Bros. donates to MDA

Dutch Bros. Coffee stores donated $174,000 to the Muscular Dystrophy Association following its annual company-wide fundraiser, MDA Day.

Held May 4, Dutch Bros. hosts MDA Day annually in honor of company co-founder, Dane Boersma, who was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in 2005 and passed away in late 2009. Dutch Bros. donated $137,000 to the cause in 2011.

"We are so thankful for the contributions of our amazing customers and their support of a cause that means so much to all of us at Dutch Bros.," said company co-founder and Dane's younger brother, Travis Boersma.

If you have a new, relocated or expanded business, or announcement of events, promotions or awards, The Press wants to let our readers know. The service is free and items run Tuesday through Saturday. To get the word on the street on your movers and shakers, call city editor Bill Buley at 664-8176 Ext. 2016 or e-mail bbuley@cdapress.com.