Russell J. Speidel and David J. Bentsen of Speidel Law Firm attended the 56th Annual Estate Planning Seminar, sponsored by the Estate Planning Council of Seattle and the Washington State Bar Association, in Seattle Oct. 31-Nov. 1. Speidel also attended a meeting of the Washington Fellows of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.

Speidel also attended a seminar titled Estate Planning Techniques in Uncertain Times at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif., Oct. 21. The seminar was presented by Howard Pearson, J.D., development legal counsel and senior philanthropic adviser at Stanford. Fluctuations in wealth, changes in estate and gift tax, and changes in income tax were discussed.

Jamie Mathey has opened Mathey Law Firm in Wenatchee. The practice focuses on employment litigation and advice, including discrimination claims, wage and hour issues, unfair competition and the preparation of employment agreements, policies and handbooks. Mathey recently moved to Wenatchee from Seattle, where he had been practicing employment law and general litigation for over 10 years. His office is at 124 N. Wenatchee Ave., Suite A.

The Watershed Co. of Kirkland and Wenatchee, multidisciplinary environmental consultants, has hired Sky Miller, PE, as manager of its water resource engineering practice and Marina Alvarez French as landscape designer. Miller brings 20 years of experience developing and implementing ecologically sustainable infrastructure, floodplain and habitat restoration plans. He was previously the Pacific Northwest regional manager of Wildlands Inc. French holds a bachelor’s degree in ecology and a master’s in landscape architecture. She combines her training in ecology with experience in landscape design to plan and create recreational spaces that integrate human and natural elements.

Gesa Credit Union has named Eileen Griffin vice president of wealth management and human resources. With a solid executive management background in marketing, communications and human resources, plus a deep knowledge of and experience with brokerage services and insurance programs, Griffin takes the helm of the rapidly growing Gesa Financial Solutions.

Cindy McCarey has joined Therapy Works in East Wenatchee as an esthetician (skin care specialist). She is offering a special introductory price for all facial treatment and waxing in bionic hydrotherapy foot baths. Appointments can be made by calling 393-6088.

Braden Draggoo has been named a member of the 2011 President’s Council of New York Life Insurance Co. He attended the President’s Council conference in Huntington Beach, Calif., Oct. 31-Nov. 4, where he met New York Life CEO Ted Mathas at a reception for members of the council.

Chuck Peven was recently appointed as Chair of the Upper Columbia Regional Technical Team (RTT). He will assume his new duties on Jan. 1. The RTT works with the Upper Columbia Spring Chinook and Steelhead Recovery Plan to restore habitat and recovery of listed species.

Brian Vertrees is the Northwest account manager for Naturipe Farms, the second largest berry company in the country. This new position was created by Naturipe to further expand their presence among retailers and wholesalers in the region. Naturipe grows and sells strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and cranberries. Prior to accepting this position, Vertrees was promotions manager for Stemilt Growers.

Doug Harris, MSPT of Associates in Physical Therapy attended a seminar on fundamentals of movement for the orthopedic patient. This two-day course focused on treatment techniques to help patients with low back and hip pain.

Dr. Enrique Esnard has been certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He is a member of the neurology department at Wenatchee Valley Medical Center. Esnard diagnoses and treats disorders of the nervous system and muscles.

Gil Sparks and Ernest Radillo, attorneys with Ogden Murphy Wallace, PLLC, gave the 14th Annual Employment Law Update presentation for the Apple Valley Human Resources Assn. (AVHRA) Dec. 8 at the Wenatchee Convention Center.

Keegan Bray has been named Wenatchee branch manager for A&A Motorcoach. He is responsible for marketing, driver management, promotions, general management responsibilities as well as occasional charter driving. He previously was with KBC Charters in Cashmere for nine years.

David W. Parsons, CLU, ChFC, managing director with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network in Wenatchee, was recently awarded the company’s Growth Award. Parsons has offices in Wenatchee, Yakima, Kennewick and Walla Walla.

Justin Harris, DPT of Associates in Physical Therapy, recently accepted a position on the board of the Wellness Place. His role will focus on serving as a volunteer resource for the Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) program coordinated by the Wellness Place and implemented at multiple locations throughout the community.

John Roberts has been promoted to the position of group manager with North Cascades National Bank (NCNB). Roberts, a vice president and loan officer, had managed the bank’s Chelan branch since 2009, and has been with NCNB since July 2004. In his new role, he will oversee the business development and customer service in the bank’s branches in Waterville, Chelan, Brewster, Omak, Okanogan and Grand Coulee.