Movers & Shakers

Marcus Valentine of Architects West earns national Design-Build Professional® certification

Marcus Valentine, a Principal with Architects West, has successfully completed the Design-Build Institute of America’s comprehensive education and certification testing program to achieve the design-build industry’s highest designation as a nationally certified Design-Build Professional®.

Over his 16 years with Architects West, Valentine has focused on serving municipal clients, leading projects ranging from city halls to fire station facilities. His work emphasizes functionality, community impact, and long-term value for public-sector clients.

In addition to municipal work, Valentine has partnered with several Native American Tribes throughout the Northwest, contributing to a wide range of project types that support cultural, civic, and community needs.

Valentine’s DBIA certification further enhances Architects West’s design-build capabilities, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to collaborative delivery methods that improve efficiency, reduce risk, and deliver high-quality outcomes.

Architects West has been providing architectural, interior design, and landscape architectural/land planning services throughout the Northwest and beyond since 1973. Employee-owned and operated, they take pride in the positive impact their work has on the people and communities which we serve. Architects West is recognized as one of the 2025 Best Places to Work in the Inland Northwest. Learn more at: www.architectswest.com

NIC’s Swayne named to Idaho 500 list

North Idaho College President Nick Swayne was named to the 2025 Idaho 500, a list that highlights the most influential leaders shaping Idaho’s economy.

Swayne was recognized in the education category for guiding the college through several accreditation status reviews related to board governance issues, the college maintained its accreditation throughout the review and worked back to good standing effective Feb. 9. 2026.

Under Swayne’s leadership, enrollment at North Idaho College has increased by nearly 30% since Fall 2023. Future goals include continued enrollment growth and the expansion of two-plus-two degree programs in partnership with four-year schools in fields such as engineering, education, business, culinary arts and more.

“I was happy to see President Swayne recognized among Idaho’s most influential leaders,” NIC Trustee Brad Corkill said. “It’s been an honor to work with him and others at the college to help stabilize the institution and position it for long term success. I look forward to seeing the college continue to flourish and grow under his leadership.”

The Idaho 500 published by the Idaho Business Review recognizes 500 professionals across 25 categories who are driving innovation, strengthening communities and contributing to the state’s economic growth.

For more information, visit idahobusinessreview.com/idaho-500/ 

STCU promotes lending VP

Jeff Christiansen, a fifteen-year veteran of STCU, is the new Vice President of Indirect and Consumer Credit, furthering the organization’s goal of developing leaders internally. He will oversee the Liberty Lake-based credit union’s indirect lending efforts with auto, truck, and RV partner dealerships across the region.

A Washington native, Christiansen joined STCU in 2010 and has worked in a variety of consumer lending roles, most recently as Indirect Lending Manager. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing from EWU.

About STCU: Founded in Spokane in 1934, STCU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative whose employees are offered opportunities to develop leadership skills for career advancement and community service. The credit union serves more than 300,000 members at 51 branches in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon, and online at stcu.org.

• • •

If you have a new, relocated or expanded business, or announcement of events, promotions or awards, The Press wants to let our readers know. Email the details to [email protected].

    Swayne
  

    Jeff Christiansen