A regional non-profit, Literacy Source, offers training in English language skills for employers of non-native speakers or incumbent workers developing their reading, writing, math, or digital literacy skills. The students serve in custodial,  M&O, or other front-line positions and can benefit from improved literacy for reading signs, instructions for garbage handling, workplace safety, and some customer communication.

The school is running programs at Seattle Children’s Hospital and Port of Seattle and would like to build on their work to serve additional employers in the 4-county area but at this stage is just looking to have a conversation about how other facilities handle this. To learn more about their employer partnerships, visit https://www.literacysource.org/partnerships . Complete the form on the web page to request a follow up from the instructional staff.

• City of Seattle FIFA HubSDOT World Cup Transportation Information
• Sound Transit Soccer Tournament Info
• Lumen Field World Cup Information
• myORCA Visitor Guide
• Interactive Map of Seattle Street Closures During Games

IMPACTS TO COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE OPERATIONS

Seattle will host six FIFA World Cup matches at Lumen Field during June and July 2026, bringing significant regional attention, tourism, transportation demand, and operational impacts to the downtown core and stadium district.

The tournament is expected to generate hundreds of thousands of visitors throughout the region, with substantial impacts concentrated in Pioneer Square, SoDo, the International District, and downtown Seattle transit corridors.

For commercial property owners and managers, the World Cup presents both operational challenges and economic opportunities.

SEATTLE WORLD CUP MATCH DATES

Seattle (officially “Seattle Stadium” during FIFA) will host six matches at Lumen Field:

• June 15, 2026 — Belgium vs. Egypt
• June 19, 2026 — United States vs. Australia
• June 24, 2026 — Bosnia-Herzegovina vs. Qatar
• June 26, 2026 — Egypt vs. Iran
• July 1, 2026 — Round of 32
• July 6, 2026 — Round of 16

Seattle expects roughly 750,000 visitors during the tournament, with approximately 100,000 people in and around the stadium district on match days.

STREET CLOSURES & TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS

The City of Seattle and SDOT are implementing a large pedestrian-only security zone around the stadium area. Please see this Interactive Map of Seattle Street Closures During Games.

What We Know:

• Street closures begin approximately 4 hours before kickoff
• Closures remain in place until crowds disperse and cleanup is complete
• Parking restrictions begin as early as 2:00 AM on match days
• Large portions of Pioneer Square will become pedestrian-only zones

TRANSPORTATION RECOMMENDATIONS

Strong City Push Toward Transit

Seattle officials are heavily encouraging:

• Link Light Rail
• Sounder trains
• Metro buses
• Walking
• Biking

The city hopes at least 80% of visitors use transit, walking, biking, or carpooling.

PUBLIC SAFETY & SECURITY

Seattle is coordinating a large-scale regional security operation involving:

• Seattle Police Department
• SDOT
• Emergency management
• Federal agencies
• Transit security
• Medical response teams

The city has referenced a “unified command” approach involving more than 40 agencies.

Expected Security Measures

• Likely conditions include:
• Increased police presence
• Anti-vehicle barriers/bollards
• Bag screening zones
• K9 units
• Drone monitoring restrictions
• Crowd-control fencing
• Surveillance expansion
• “Last mile” pedestrian security corridors

OPERATIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS:

Many downtown employers/property teams are discussing:

• Remote work on match days
• Flexible arrival/departure schedules
• Staggered vendor schedules
• Tenant advisories 72 hours prior to matches
• Encouraging ORCA/transit usage

Buildings should prepare for:

• Non-tenant restroom requests
• Increased lobby traffic
• Trespassing concerns
• Protest activity potential
• Elevated janitorial needs
• Overnight security staffing adjustments
• Coordination with private security vendors

Buildings near fan activation zones may especially need:

• Enhanced exterior patrols
• Temporary signage
• Access-control reviews
• Vendor credential protocols

OPPORTUNITY FOR THE INDUSTRY

While the World Cup presents logistical challenges, it also provides an opportunity for Seattle’s commercial real estate industry to showcase the region’s professionalism, operational readiness, hospitality, and downtown infrastructure on a global stage.

BOMA Greater Seattle will continue monitoring updates from the City of Seattle, SDOT, Sound Transit, Seattle Police Department, and FIFA organizers as additional operational guidance becomes available.

		Impact Scholarship Recipient Sara Love Senior General Manager JLL
		Emerging Professionals Scholarship Recipient Hayley Thomas Associate Property Manager CBRE
		Emerging Professionals Scholarship Recipient Manoella Contrigiani Assistant Property Manager CBRE
		BOMA Engineer Scholarship Recipient Dakota Decker Assistant Chief Engineer Metro Services Group
		BOMA Engineer Scholarship Recipient Brian Stamey Chief Engineer Supervisor CBRE

These scholarship recipients will be attending the 2026 BOMA International Conference in Long Beach, CA, this June!

Washington State’s Department of Ecology wants to share important information about a state law that may affect your members and partners. We’re asking for your help in sharing this information with anyone in your network who may be impacted.

In November 2023, Ecology adopted, WAC 173-443, a rule that reduces the use of harmful hydrofluorocarbons (HFC). Part of this rule requires owners and operators of facilities with refrigeration or air conditioning systems using 50 pounds or more of a refrigerant with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) over 150 to participate in our Refrigerant Management Program. 

Registration for medium facilities is open now. Medium facilities are facilities with refrigeration or air conditioning system that holds 200- 1,499 pounds of refrigerant and GWP greater than 150. The deadline to register is March 15, 2026.

Medium facility registration date

• March 15, 2026 - Registration deadline for owners/operators of facilities with refrigeration or air conditioning system that holds 200 - 1,499 pounds of refrigerant and GWP greater than 150
• Starting March 2026 - Ecology will send invoices for annual program fees. Payment is due within 30 days 
• March 15, 2027 – The annual report is due for refrigeration or air conditioning systems with at least 200- 1,499 pounds of refrigerant 

Stay informed 

Keep informed about HFC regulations by joining our email list. This is the best way to receive up-to-date information from Washington State and our primary method of sharing program updates, deadlines, and important announcements. 

Resources 

• Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Management Platform (RAMP) user guide - Includes steps for annual reporting, service events, data collection, leak rates, and applying for exemptions or retrofit and retirement plans, with a helpful flow-chart. 
• Hydrofluorocarbons adopted rule language informational guidebook - This guidebook provides general information about Chapter 173-443 WAC on Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and other fluorinated greenhouse gases. 
• Refrigerant Management Program webpage - Offers details on Washington's HFC management requirements, reporting rules, compliance deadlines, and resources for businesses with refrigeration or air conditioning systems. 

SEATTLE, WA — January 20, 2026 — The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) Greater Seattle is pleased to announce the appointment of Rebecca Uusitalo, Sr. General Manager at Urban Renaissance Group as its new Chair for 2026. Uusitalo, a respected commercial real estate leader with a long history of service within the association, will guide BOMA Greater Seattle as it advances advocacy, education, and professional networking for the trade association’s commercial real estate’s professionals.

Uusitalo has been an active member of BOMA Greater Seattle for many years, serving in various leadership positions, committee roles, and volunteer capacities at the local, regional, and international level. Her commitment to industry excellence and her collaborative leadership style have earned her recognition among peers across the Pacific Northwest.

As Chair, Uusitalo will focus on several key priorities for 2026, including:

• Advancing advocacy and policy engagement on issues affecting commercial real estate in the Puget Sound region
• Expanding education and professional development opportunities for property professionals and industry partners at all career stages
• Strengthening member engagement and fostering deeper connections within the industry
• Supporting initiatives that promote sustainability, resilience, and innovation in building operations

“Rebecca brings strategic insight, dedication, and a deep understanding of our industry,” said Rod Kauffman, President & CEO of BOMA Greater Seattle. “Her leadership has already advanced BOMA’s mission at the local, regional, and International levels, and will be instrumental as we continue to support our members and navigate a rapidly evolving commercial real estate landscape.”

Uusitalo succeeds outgoing Chair Jennie Dorsett, Vice President Operations at Hudson Pacific Properties, whose term was marked by significant accomplishments in member programming, industry advocacy, and community outreach. BOMA Greater Seattle extends its gratitude for her service and leadership over the past year.

We’re excited to introduce the newest member of our BOMA Greater Seattle team, Rachell Gulanes!

Rachell joins us as Administrative and Accounting Coordinator, bringing strong organizational skills and a passion for supporting our members and events.

Rachell's Fun Facts:

• I am from Unalaska, Alaska (also known as Dutch Harbor & for the Deadliest Catch show on Discovery Channel).
• I'm on a mission to find te best fried rice in the city.
• I'm a big foodie.
• Outside of work, you can catch me on a run, at a pilates class, or with a book in my hands!

Please join us in giving Rachell a warm welcome! You’ll be seeing her name on communications and at upcoming BOMA activities—don’t hesitate to say hello.

Welcome to the team, Rachell - we are so happy to have you!

• System - Placement, frequency, and variety of disposal of materials
• Success - The actual result of the system reflected in bins
• Sustainability - Clear push for building-wide involvement

2025 Golden Dumpster Winners

	800 Fifth Ave Tenants actively and successfully participating in sustainable practices within their suites.  Exceptional use of durables and compostables in tenant spaces. Building focus to emphasize reuse, reduce plastic use, and refillable systems.  Variety of specialized recycling streams for different types of waste.
	400 Fairview Impressive set up of signage, bins, and colocation throughout building. Little to no contamination across waste bins.  Building features that support sustainability and environmental responsibility. Earth Day pop-up events that foster engagement and involvement.
	999 Third Fantastic effort in organizing engaging and creative Earth Month events. Strong collaboration between property management and the janitorial team to support sustainability efforts. Broad range of special-item recycling streams available to tenants. Efforts to donate furniture, reuse material, and reduce waste.

We also awarded a Platinum Dumpster Award. Only previous Golden Dumpster Award winners were eligible to apply. The Platinum Dumpster winner showed meaningful improvements in waste reduction, tenant education, composting and recycling. They also had exceptional materials management systems and implemented advanced practices since initially winning the Golden Dumpster Award!

2025 Platinum Dumpster Award Winner

US Bank Center Proactive tenant support through PM waste consulting and collecting tenant feedback from a waste survey. Dedication to community collaboration, including partnerships with schools and neighboring buildings.  Innovative initiatives such as finding new uses for used office equipment and hosting Recycle Fair events.  Comprehensive and effective sustainability and waste-reduction systems.

2025 BOMA Heroes

	Sarah Bakken, James King Roofing Sarah Bakken is an outstanding Industry Partner whose consistent involvement and enthusiasm have made a meaningful impact on BOMA’s community. She is deeply engaged in events throughout the year, frequently volunteers her time, and actively supports outreach partner events. Sarah’s reliability and positive presence make her a valuable contributor and a role model for member engagement.
	Luciano Florescu, Kardin Systems As the Industry Partner Chair, Luciano Florescu has shown exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing member connections and programming. He spearheads the popular Building Tour Series, coordinates volunteer initiatives, and continually steps up to support events across the organization. His dedication and professionalism set a high standard for service and leadership within the BOMA community.
	Karina Olson, Urban Renaissance Group Katrina Olson, as Emerging Professionals Co-Chair, has played a key role in creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation of industry leaders. She helped organize and lead a successful building tour this year and continues to bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm to the EP Committee. Her leadership and initiative have strengthened engagement among new members.
	Annie Miclat, Wright Runstad & Company Annie Miclat has gone above and beyond in her role as Emerging Professionals Co-Chair, leading multiple successful events and bringing energy and creativity to every project she undertakes. She played a key role in organizing the Figgy Pudding event and several EP networking programs, demonstrating her commitment to building community and fostering professional growth among members.
	Jose Gallegos-Vallejo, BioMed Realty Jose Gallegos-Vallejo has been an incredible asset to BOMA, both through his role at BioMed and his volunteer leadership. He has hosted the Reverse Trade Show in 2025—and is already planning to do so again in 2026—while also organizing a building tour and regularly volunteering for Emerging Professional events. His commitment, generosity, and consistent support make him an invaluable part of the BOMA network.

2025 Chairman's Award

Genni Reilly

2025 President's Award

Travis A. Smith, Verify Training LLC

We’re so excited to participate at this year's Figgy Pudding Caroling Event! We’re gathering a lively team of ambitious people just like you to carol in support of our wonderful Outreach Partner, Pike Market Senior Center & Food Bank. No singing experience is needed—just a positive spirit and a willingness to give back!

Curious but not sure if it’s for you? Perfect! We’d love for you to come to one of our rehearsals and check it out. There’s no pressure to decide on the spot; come get a feel for our fun, supportive environment, meet other enthusiastic volunteers, and see if this might be a way for you to spread some holiday joy with us. Reply to this email or contact Christine Miclat for all the details.

Figgy Pudding is always one of the Pike Market's most memorable events, and we’d love to have you with us as part of this cheerful crew! If you have any questions or just want to chat more, don’t hesitate to reach out.

The 40th Annual Great Figgy Pudding - Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 12pm - 2:30pm

Pike Place Market will be filled with the voices of dozens of caroling teams and the cheer of more than 10,000 holiday revelers all coming together to raise funds and ring in the season. Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition is our biggest (and jolliest) fundraiser of the year! The money raised by the caroling teams and by the thousands of people who attend support:

- Free groceries for our neighbors facing hunger
- Free, healthy meals for low-income and homeless  seniors
- Activities to help seniors connect with the community
- Expert social work assistance to help elders in crisis meet their needs and achieve their goals.

Whether you sing with the BOMA Caroling Crew, come to the Figgy Pudding Event and support, or make a monetary donation - your support means a lot!

BOMA Greater Seattle is excited to share important news about our local team. Cori Taniguchi will be leaving her role to take on a new position as Director of Membership & Business Development with the Washington Athletic Club (WAC). We are grateful for Cori’s years of dedicated service and wish her every success in this next chapter.

Megan Furstenberg will step into the role of Director of Operations, bringing fresh energy and expertise to the position. Christine Miclat Lubong and Justin Wallander will also adjust their roles to ensure a smooth transition and continued excellence in service.

Our president, Rod Kauffman, joins the entire BOMA team in expressing appreciation for Cori’s contributions and excitement for what’s ahead. Members can rest assured that BOMA will continue to deliver the same high-value programs, events, and support you’ve come to expect. Please join us in congratulating Cori on her new opportunity and welcoming Megan as she begins this exciting new role!

• Day 1 – The conference officially opened with a day of committee meetings and discussion hubs, setting the stage for collaboration and learning.
• Day 2 – Attendees were inspired by a powerful Opening Keynote from Brad Meltzer, host of the History Channel’s Lost History and Decoded and a New York Times best-selling author.
• Day 3 – Day three began with networking breakfasts, including a record-breaking Student Day Orientation + Breakfast and the Women in CRE Breakfast featuring Julie Brown, founder of Julie Brown Speaks.
• Day 4 – The final day concluded with educational sessions, the debut of the One BOMA Recognition Lunch, and the grand finale—The Outstanding Building of the Year (TOBY) Awards Reception + Gala.

BOMA Greater Seattle Takes Boston by Storm
With over 40 members in attendance, BOMA Greater Seattle made its presence known across the conference floor, leadership sessions, and celebrations. Our local members didn’t just show up—they showed out:

🏆 Starbucks Center Takes Home an International TOBY Win – Mixed-Use Category
🏅 Patrick Hennessy is Recognized as Regional Member of the Year
🎓 Cori Taniguchi Earns Prestigious CAE Designation

Celebrating Our Scholarship Recipients
We were proud to have six scholarship recipients who represented our local at the BOMA International Conference. Read about their experiences below:

• When in Boston, Sip Some Tea - Wurrie Njadoe, DEI Scholarship Recipient
• Historic Streets & Industry Insights: My Boston 2025 BOMA Conference Experience - Aysia Deru, Emerging Professional Scholarship Recipient
• An Invaluable Opportunity for Both Personal and Professional Growth - Jesse Smothers, Engineer Scholarship Recipient
• New Knowledge, Fresh Motivation, and a Renewed Sense of Pride in the Work We Do - Eric Lichneckert, Engineer Scholarship Recipient
• You Better Recognize - Kacie Rahm, Impact Scholarship Recipient
• 2025 Yardi-BOMA Sustainability Grant Recipient - Hayley Thomas

Visit our Instagram page for more photos, videos, and highlights from the conference.

Mark your calendars now and plan to join us in Long Beach next June 27-30! We hope to see you there!

Written by Aysia Deru, Unico Properties, BOMA Emergina Professional Scholarship Recipient

I had the great opportunity to attend the 2025 BOMA International Conference & Expo as this year’s Greater Seattle Emerging Professional Scholarship recipient. I’m incredibly grateful for this experience.

Expo Floor:
The expo floor was impressive in both size and variety. It was wonderful connecting with existing service partners while also meeting new ones. It was eye‑opening to see just how many different companies and services support our industry.

Seminars & Keynotes:
I was especially excited about the educational sessions offered. One highlight was the seminar, “AI‑Powered Property Management – Smarter, Faster, Better.” The room was completely full, and it was fascinating to hear different perspectives on AI, from cautious to optimistic. The session shared practical ways AI can assist us in our roles, while emphasizing the importance of critical thinking.

Another standout moment was the keynote speaker, Brad Meltzer, and his talk “What’s Your Legacy?” One of my key takeaways was that we often don’t realize the positive impact we have on others, both professionally and personally and that it’s important to express gratitude to those who’ve impacted us. This inspired me to reflect and reach out to thank a few people in my own life.

Networking & City Experience:
It was amazing to explore Boston’s rich history including walking part of the Freedom Trail with my coworkers. We also had a chance to enjoy the evening events hosted at local venues. These events were great opportunities to meet new industry professionals as well as connect with colleagues from my own company in a different setting.

Overall, this experience gave me new insights into topics like AI, expanded my industry network, and deepened my understanding of the role our work plays within the larger CRE community. I’m extremely thankful for this opportunity and would encourage others to apply in the future. It’s truly an incredible chance to learn, grow, and connect.

Written by Wurrie Njadoe, CBRE, BOMA DEI Scholarship Recipient

This past June, I was awarded the BOMA Greater Seattle DEI Scholarship to attend the 2025 BOMA International Conference in Boston, Massachusetts. This was my first conference, and let me tell you, I will be coming back for many more conferences, God willing.

Attending the BOMA International Conference in Boston was an amazing experience. I would definitely recommend it. It was a 10 out of 10. This conference brought together industry leaders, professionals, scholars, and innovators from all over the world. I found it to be a remarkable opportunity to exchange ideas, foster professional development, and discover new standards for best practices in real estate and property management. Boston’s unique blend of history and modern business made it the perfect setting for a gathering focused on knowledge sharing and positive change.

The conference featured an impressive lineup of keynote speakers whose perspectives deeply resonated with me. Each of these speakers shared wisdom on personal growth, resilience, and adaptability—qualities I found especially relevant in today’s evolving world. I learned a lot from keynote speakers Brad Meltzer and Dan Thurmon, especially about how we tend to overlook and appreciate our parents or anyone who has had a hand in shaping the people we are today. Dan Thurmon taught me how to shift perspective and welcome new challenges. Networking guru, Julie Brown, kept having me and the rest of the audience repeat the phrase “I am not an avocado.” As women, we are often hard on ourselves, holding unrealistic expectations and wondering why everything feels like it’s crashing down on us. What I took away was to be kinder to myself and to build a community that I would want to be a part of.

A standout feature of the conference was definitely the BOMA Expo. I explored a wide array of products, technologies, and solutions from both industry giants and exciting startups. I left with an overweight suitcase back to Seattle, filled with swag and water bottles that I know for a fact I won’t be using, but they were free stuff.

The educational aspect of the conference was both robust and accessible. Honestly, it was very difficult to choose which sessions to attend. There were so many options like, Reimagining property management with cloud-based technology infrastructure, COI red flags: What property managers miss, and more.

My experience at the BOMA International Conference in Boston left a lasting impression. It offered the perfect chance to make new connections, strengthen professional relationships, and discuss collaborative opportunities. Thank you, BOMA Greater Seattle, for this opportunity. I look forward to future BOMA conferences.

Written by Kacie Rahm, Unico Properties, BOMA Impact Scholarship Recipient

If you know me from BOMA, there’s a good chance you know me as the “TOBY Lady.” You may have celebrated with me when my building, Smith Tower, won the International TOBY in the Historical category in 2019. Maybe you entered your own building in the competition and attended a TOBY review session that I led as Chair of the BOMA Greater Seattle Recognition & Awards committee for the last few years. If nothing else, you’ve probably seen me on stage at the General Meetings or Women in Action events handing out the Local and Regional TOBY trophies and awkwardly posing for photos with the winners. I am happy to be the TOBY Lady, and hope anyone with an interest in entering knows that they can come to me with questions! What you may not know, though, is that beyond TOBY, I am all about recognition in this industry, and I think it’s a crucial component to retention, avoiding burnout, and professional development.

My recent attendance at the BOMA International Conference in Boston was all about recognition. Before I even knew I was attending, I was working with Unico leadership to connect their recommended employees to Scholarship opportunities to attend. I was honored to be recommended for the BOMA Impact scholarship by my Director and encouraged my fellow nominated colleagues to apply in their respective categories. All in all, four of us were selected, and I am extremely grateful to be recognized among that group! For weeks leading up to the conference, I could feel the energy among our group as we planned packing lists, conference sessions to attend, Boston sights to see, and vendor party invites to prioritize. There’s a certain pride and excitement that comes from being recognized by your company, as well as your industry leaders, that I could tell my fellow scholarship winners were motivated by. 

Once at the conference, I planned my schedule around my duties as a member of the International Recognition and Awards committee. I made a pitch at the BOMA PNW Regional Lunch to get more TOBY entries. I cheered on our PNW Regional Member of the year, Patrick Hennessy, as he accepted his certificate at the BOMA Recognition lunch – a culmination of a nomination that I collaborated on with Benjamin Harrison. I attended my first in-person committee meeting and gathered ideas to improve our local programming. And awesomely, I got to cheer on our five fantastic TOBY contenders, including Starbucks Center who took home an International TOBY in the Mixed-Use Category. Seeing my peers be rewarded for their hard work was incredibly fulfilling, and hopefully that energy will come back to BOMA Greater Seattle and encourage more TOBY entries each year!

But beyond this, I also found a theme of recognition among the seemingly unrelated events. The opening keynote from author Brad Meltzer, titled “What’s Your Legacy,” inspired me to continue recognizing people in small ways, too. His stories helped illuminate how we may leave a mark we didn’t expect when we notice the skills and worth of those around us.  I also got to attend a fascinating tour of the historic Fenway Park, and it made me think about how I have always loved sports. Being a fan is a form of recognition as well. The love that Bostonians have for the Red Sox is so palpable, despite the challenges they’ve faced as a franchise. Preserving the oldest and smallest stadium in the MLB and continuously adding to and improving it is a testament to that fandom. A post-tour lunch at “Wahlburgers”, where a shrine to the Wahlberg brothers adorned the restaurant walls, continued my conversation about fandom, and how that pride might translate to our careers.

Overall, it was a fantastic experience that reaffirmed my goals for my career. I have worked for years to bolster the recognition programs at Unico and with BOMA, and I came home from Boston with so many new ideas and possibilities to continue those programs. Additionally, I have new personal goals to recognize people in my life outside of a professional setting. Finally, I want to thank BOMA Greater Seattle and the scholarship selection committee for recognizing me with the BOMA Impact Scholarship. I will continue to make an impact and prove myself worthy.

This year, Hayley Thomas, Assistant Real Estate Manager at CBRE, was awarded The Yardi-BOMA Sustainability Grant. She was awarded this grant for her involvement in sustainability initiatives for the commercial real estate industry. The grant covers registration to attend the BOMA International Conference & Expo, plus $1,000 travel stipend to offset the travel costs.

Congratulations, Hayley!

We are thrilled to announce the winner of the PNW Regional Outstanding Member of the Year Award is Patrick Hennessy, Senior Property Manager at CBRE! 

Patrick has been a standout member within BOMA International and BOMA Greater Seattle. He has participated in many local, regional, and international association programs and committees: BOMA Awards Committee, BOMA Mentor Program, Emerging Professionals, the TOBY Program, and was recently awarded BOMA International's Rising Star Award in 2024. In addtion, his property was the first in the U.S. to be awarded a BOMA BEST Certification.

Thank you, Patrick, for your dedication to not only BOMA Greater Seattle, but also BOMA International!

Cori Taniguchi being recognized among her peers at the BAE Meeting in Boston

Seattle, WA — BOMA Greater Seattle is proud to announce that Cori Taniguchi, Director of Operations, has officially earned her Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential—widely regarded as the highest professional certification in the association management profession. Awarded by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), the CAE designation is a hallmark of excellence and leadership in the nonprofit sector.

To achieve this distinguished credential, Cori met a rigorous set of requirements, including:

• A minimum of five years in nonprofit or association management
• Completion of over 100 hours of professional development in association-related topics
• Passing a comprehensive four-hour exam that tests knowledge across nine domains such as strategic planning, governance, membership engagement, financial management, and ethics

The CAE designation places Cori among a select group of association professionals across the country who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment and competency in the field. Fewer than 5,000 individuals nationwide and only 22 in Washington state hold this credential, it is a meaningful milestone for both Cori and the BOMA Greater Seattle team.

“Earning the CAE was about more than professional validation—it was about continuing to show up with intention for our members. Involvement in ASAE has been a great resource for information on the latest trends and best practices in association management." Cori Taniguchi said. "I am grateful for the support that I have received from BOMA Greater Seattle, BOMA locals across the country, and the BOMA International community while working towards this professional goal."

As an association executive representing professionals in commercial real estate management, it’s essential to understand both the work our members do and the support they need. In addition to managing the association itself, it’s important to recognize that a 501(c)(6) trade association operates as a distinct type of business with its own unique challenges and responsibilities.

Cori began her association management career in January 2012 when she joined the BOMA team.  As BOMA Greater Seattle expanded the services we offered members, Cori’s responsibilities also grew, and she was promoted to Director of Operations at BOMA in early 2020. 

Her colleagues at BOMA Greater Seattle recognize this achievement as a reflection of her deep dedication to the mission and long-term vision of the organization.

"By achieving her designation as a CAE, Cori has demonstrated top-level competence across the broad scope of knowledge and skills that are needed by the best practitioners in our disciplines. This is an outstanding achievement for Cori as she continues her service to BOMA, our members, and our industry," stated Rod Kauffman, President of BOMA Greater Seattle.

With this designation, Cori is positioned to continue elevating the association’s impact, foster strong partnerships, and drive meaningful progress across the commercial real estate industry in the Greater Seattle region.

To learn more about the CAE credential, visit https://www.asaecenter.org/programs/cae-certification.

Written by Jesse Smothers, Unico Properties, BOMA Engineer Scholarship Recipient

I am incredibly grateful to BOMA Greater Seattle for the generous engineering scholarship that made it possible for me to attend the BOMA International Conference in Boston. This was a truly memorable experience and an invaluable opportunity for both personal and professional growth.

The conference was exceptional in every way—from the engaging keynote speakers and educational sessions to the well-curated expo. Brad Meltzer, the opening keynote speaker, set a powerful tone for the event. His heartfelt stories, blended with humor and authenticity, resonated deeply with me. He spoke in a way that made the audience feel both welcomed and inspired, and his reflections on personal hardship and resilience were both moving and motivating.

The educational sessions offered valuable insights into evolving industry standards and best practices from across the country. It was refreshing and energizing to learn from industry leaders and peers who are passionate about shaping the future of our field. The expo was another highlight, showcasing innovative vendors, thoughtful amenities—including a relaxing puppy break area—and excellent hospitality throughout.

This was my first visit to Boston, and the city exceeded all expectations. The convention center was not only architecturally stunning but also conveniently located near our hotel, which made the experience even more enjoyable. I was fortunate to have time to explore the historic downtown area, and I was struck by the city's rich history, cleanliness, and the friendliness of everyone we encountered.

One of the most memorable evenings was the TOBY Awards ceremony. The atmosphere was electric with excitement and pride as teams celebrated their building achievements. The food, the energy, and the camaraderie made it a truly special event.

All in all, this trip was a wonderful experience that I will always remember. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been given the chance to attend and connect with so many passionate professionals. Thank you again to BOMA Greater Seattle for your support—I would be honored to attend again in the future.

Written by Eric Lichneckert, Unico Properties, BOMA Engineer Scholarship Recipient

This year, I had the opportunity to attend the BOMA 2025 International Conference in Boston, thanks to an Engineering scholarship from BOMA Greater Seattle. I’m incredibly grateful to have been selected. As an Assistant Chief Engineer at Unico, most of my time is spent making sure buildings run smoothly behind the scenes, so getting to step out of the day-to-day and being surrounded by my peers, business leaders, and innovators in our industry was a valuable and much appreciated change of pace.

One of the highlights for me was the first keynote speaker, Brad Meltzer. He shared personal stories, not just about his professional success, but about the people who helped him get there. It was a good reminder of how important community is, both in life and in our field. His message in the keynote was simple: the work we do matters, and the way we treat people matters just as much.

Another big highlight was touring the Winthrop Center. Seeing a new, modern large-scale building was very impressive. Seeing all the behind-the-scenes things that usually only engineers care about was an awesome experience. It was cool seeing all sorts of new technologies integrated into the building systems and how they were all working together. It’s one thing to read about these ideas in articles; it’s another to walk through a building that’s doing it. It made me think differently about what’s possible in the spaces we manage.

Beyond the sessions and tours, the best part of this conference was connecting and networking with others in the industry—engineers, managers, vendors, and leaders from across the country. Getting to explore Boston and all of its history with some of my peers was an awesome and unforgettable experience.

I’m thankful to BOMA Greater Seattle for the opportunity to attend, and I encourage anyone who's on the fence about applying for a scholarship like this to go for it. It was a great experience—one that left me with new knowledge, fresh motivation, and a renewed sense of pride in the work we do every day.

		Impact Scholarship Recipient Kacie Rahm Property Manager Unico Properties
		Emerging Professionals Scholarship Recipient Aysia Deru Property Administrator Unico Properties
		DEI Scholarship Recipient Wurrie Njadoe Property Administrator CBRE
		BOMA Engineer Scholarship Recipient Jesse Smothers Portfolio Chief Engineer Unico Properties
		BOMA Engineer Scholarship Recipient Eric Lichneckert Assistant Chief Engineer Unico Properties

These scholarship recipients will be attending the 2025 BOMA International Conference in Boston, MA, this June!

BOMA Impact Scholarship – Deadline April 15, 2025 Apply Here
This scholarship is being offered to BOMA Greater Seattle Members who have made an impact in the BOMA community. The Application Deadline is April 15, 2025.

DEI Scholarship – Deadline April 15, 2025 Apply Here
This scholarship is being offered to BOMA Greater Seattle Members who self-identify as being part of a marginalized community. The Application Deadline is April 15, 2025.

Emerging Professionals Scholarship – Deadline April 15, 2025 Apply Here
This scholarship is being offered to BOMA Greater Seattle Members who are new to the Industry. The Application Deadline is April 15, 2025.

Building Engineer Scholarship – Deadline April 15, 2025 Apply Here
This scholarship is being offered to BOMA Members in good standing, who qualify as an Engineer. To qualify as an engineer, you must be employed at a BOMA member building on the operations or facility management team. The Application Deadline is April 15, 2025.

J. Michael Coleman Scholarship (by BOMA International) - Deadline March 28, 2025 Apply Here
This scholarship awards registration to attend BOMA International's Annual Conference and $1000 USD to be used toward other costs (travel, hotel etc.). Awardees are also invited to an exclusive Future Leaders networking reception. Applications to attend the 2025 BOMA International Annual Conference are due no later than March 28, 2025.

The 2025 BOMA + Yardi Sustainability Grant (by BOMA International) – Click here to learn more.
The grant is awarded to a select group of recipients who are emerging or veteran professionals working in sustainability to attend the 2025 BOMA International Conference & Expo in Boston, MA. For application and deadline information, contact Cameron Macuch at cmacuch@boma.org.

March 26 will be the date we go live with our new Conveyance Management Portal (CMP, Portal)

This special message provides how you can get ready for the launch. 

Until March 26

• All business with the Elevator Program will be done manually until launch. Until Wednesday, send permit applications and plans by email or by visiting one of L&I’s office locations. Make payments for permits or invoices by visiting one of L&I’s office locations, or sending via mail. Submit permit applications with plans to: Elevatorsect@lni.wa.gov
• Review on-demand training materials. User guides and short videos are already available online at www.Lni.wa.gov/CMP. And remember to tell others to join the Elevator Program email list for project news and other updates.

On March 26 and beyond

• Login using My L&I. You can find the login at the top of the homepage for the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, www.Lni.wa.gov.
• Attend an open house to receive Portal registration support. Sign up at www.Lni.wa.gov/CMP. 
• Check your permits, invoices, and account information on the Portal. We have worked hard to ensure your information migrated successfully to the CMP. A guide to make changes to that information is available on www.Lni.wa.gov/CMP.
• If you have specific questions on using the Portal, email CMPTraining@Lni.wa.gov.
• Additional training sessions are available. Sign up online at www.Lni.wa.gov/CMP.
• Review on-demand training materials. User guides and short videos are already available online at www.Lni.wa.gov/CMP.
• And remember to tell others to join the Elevator Program email list for project news and other updates.

Portal provides improved service
The Portal provides a variety of benefits: applying and paying for permits online; renewing multiple permits at the same time; and printing an operating certificate as soon as it’s paid for. You’ll also be able to submit your proof of correction, or file a waiver or extension request online.

Another advantage of the Portal is using My L&I. You can find the login at the top of the homepage for the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, www.Lni.wa.gov.

This launch represents the culmination of more than two years of work to offer the services you wanted. It’s also the result of the effort of L&I inspectors, technical staff, IT experts, and customer service representatives to ensure a successful launch.

You can help us make the Portal launch a success. Please let us know about any issues that may occur when using the system by sending an email to CMPTraining@Lni.wa.gov.

You can expect over time there will be updated versions we make to the Portal. When we make those changes, we will use our newsletter list to let you know about the changes.

We can all agree about the importance of conveyance safety for the riding public. I believe the Portal will help all of us in reaching that goal. Thank you for your support for this project!

1. PSE Clean Buildings Accelerator: For commercial and multifamily buildings over 20,000 sq. ft. outside Seattle city limits preparing for the Washington Clean Buildings Performance Standard (WA CBPS), register for an upcoming PSE Clean Buildings Accelerator Information Sessions.
2. Seattle Clean Buildings Accelerator: For commercial and multifamily buildings over 20,000 sq. ft. in Seattle preparing for both Seattle Building Emissions Performance Standard (Seattle BEPS) and WA CBPS, register for an upcoming Seattle Clean Buildings Accelerator Information Sessions.

These programs provide tools, guidance, and technical support to help buildings improve energy efficiency and prepare for compliance with these standards.

Questions? Email: cleanbuildings@stillwaterenergy.com