• O'Brien joins University Inn

Mike O'Brien has been hired as general manager of the Best Western Plus University Inn in Moscow.

Born and raised in Oregon, O'Brien moved to Coeur d'Alene in 1996 and landed a job as a valet at The Coeur d'Alene Resort.

"At The Resort, I learned the value of hard work and great guest services," he said.

O'Brien's hospitality career since then has included roles with six different hotel properties, most recently as general manager of the Best Western Plus Coeur d'Alene Inn.

"I love hospitality," he said. "It's in my blood. Every day is different and challenging."

He is known as a firm yet fair manager who is approachable and always has an open door policy. He considers it his job to keep his employees happy and motivated so they can provide the best hospitality experience possible.

O'Brien is an avid outdoorsman who loves big-game hunting, fishing, camping and teaching his family all about the outdoors. He also enjoys golf. He and his wife, Alison, have two children, Gabe and Lily, and a family dog named Copper.

Located at 1516 Pullman Road in Moscow, the Best Western Plus University Inn has 173 guest rooms with complimentary Wifi, 12,000 square feet of meeting space and extensive food and beverage options. The hotel offers an indoor pool, hot tub, sauna and fitness center, and provides complimentary shuttle service to and from the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport.

Info: www.uinnmoscow.com

• Medflight One welcomes Amaro

Medflight One announced the addition of Rami Amaro to its executive team.

Amaro joins Medflight One as the company's vice president and general counsel, to be based at Medflight One's headquarters in Seattle.

Amaro brings more than 18 years of experience as a corporate and aviation attorney and as a business leader. Most recently, she was the founding and managing partner of Amaro Law Office, in Hayden, a position she held for more than 14 years. Her previous positions include associate attorney for the Johnson Law Group in Spokane and Ramsden & Lyons in Coeur d'Alene.

Amaro also served as a special deputy attorney general and an administrative law judge for the state of Idaho, as well as an arbitrator for NASD/FINRA.

Dave Hedequist, Medflight One CEO and president, said he is excited to have Amaro join his team.

"She combines a proven record as an attorney with a clear understanding of the challenges facing aviation and medical firms today," Hedequist said. "As Medflight One expands its operations, Mrs. Amaro's record of business leadership and devotion to the legal, aviation and medical fields will move Medflight One forward as a leader in its field."

Medflight One is a non-emergent air ambulance company that provides comprehensive medical transport service on domestic and international flights. Info: info@medflightone.com or 1-855-633-3544

• Ground Force Worldwide announces new COO

Phil Duckett has accepted the chief operating officer position at Ground Force Worldwide.

Duckett has expressed that he is inspired to be working with Ron Nilson, as well as honored to be able to share his many years and expertise in engineering, manufacturing and executive management.

"He hopes this allows Ron even more opportunity to do what he does best - give back to our community and interface with of customers on a more regular basis," states a media announcement.

Duckett brings more than 35 years in project management, engineering and lean manufacturing to Ground Force Worldwide.

"With our growth in recent years, adding this expertise will help strengthen our position in the market as well as provide the necessary platform for moving forward," states the media announcement. "Phil's experience relocating Buck Knives in 2005 to Post Falls, as well as earning the seat as COO in 2009, overseeing all phases of Buck Knives operations, finance and sales will offer invaluable leadership for our future growth."

Duckett is taking over as COO, as his predecessor, Eric Keck, has left the state for a new venture.

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, email City Editor Maureen Dolan at mdolan@cdapress.com.