Stories

Keep up with the rapid beat of the Heart of Bellevue. Read stories of the people behind the place. Get to know the BDA with a member spotlight. Stay informed on the latest advocacy efforts and what's happening downtown. Whether you come downtown for work or fun, make the most of your visit by enjoying Bellevue Beats and Al Fresco Dining.

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Person Behind The Place: Juliya Kozlova

Juliya Kozlova spends five out of the seven days in the week with 170 residents at The Bellettini, Downtown Bellevue’s upscale retirement home located at the corner of NE 12th St and 108th Ave. Read on to learn more about her role at The Bellettini, the issues that arise in the senior living industry and her favorite places around Downtown Bellevue.

Person Behind The Place: Dean Peterson

For the last decade, you can find Dean Peterson as a relationship manager in Bellevue at Heritage Bank. Continue to read on to learn more about Dean’s favorite part of the job, current challenges in the banking industry, and his views on Downtown.

Person Behind The Place: Brian Brand

Nearly 52 years later, Brand is now the senior principal of the same company he started with -- Baylis Architects. Read on to learn more about the challenges he has seen in the architecture world, advice he would give young people starting in the field, and his favorite places around Downtown Bellevue.

Person Behind The Place: Angie Nuevacamina

As a representative and agent for a mutual insurance company, Angie Nuevacamina consistently strives to do more than what the job typically entails. Read on to learn more about the most rewarding part of her job, what challenges small businesses face today, and her favorite places around Downtown Bellevue.

Person Behind The Place: Megan Miller

Dr. Megan Miller has spent 10+ years working as a dentist around the Texas and Washington area before moving to Downtown Bellevue and starting her own practice in 2022 under the name Expedition Pediatric Dentistry. Miller mentioned that to this day, she still gets excited about learning.

Person Behind The Place: Juan Garcia

As the vice president branch manager for Columbia Bank located in Old Bellevue, he’s tasked with an important role in helping clients and prospects understand their financial needs and provide solutions for their banking needs.

Person Behind The Place: Tim Carr

During Tim Carr's 26-year career at Meydenbauer Center, he worked various jobs within the sales and food service department that helped pave a strong path to his current role as CEO in 2019. Read more about why Carr believes Meydenbauer Center is a mainstay of the Downtown economy, and his favorite places around town.

Person Behind The Place: Lindsay Rucker

Despite Lindsay Rucker’s zero background in publishing or advertising sales, she now runs three magazine publications around the Greater Seattle area. Hear more about why she loves her job, her impact at Greet West Bellevue, and Rucker’s outlook on Downtown.

Person Behind The Place: Britt Wibmer

Since starting her real estate career 19 years ago, Britt Wibmer, founder and CEO of Inspire Properties, has sold and negotiated over 400 homes and condominiums. Hear more about what she has planned for the next few years, her views on the Eastside housing market, and more details about Wibmer's favorite businesses in town.

Person Behind The Place: Jennifer Shea

Today, Jennifer Shea and her husband celebrate 15 years since opening Trophy Cupcakes at the Wallingford Center in Seattle. Read on to hear more about her resiliency during the pandemic, what makes Shea’s treats so special, and her favorite spots around the heart of Bellevue.

Person Behind The Place: Rob Pickering

Rob Pickering expanded Snapdoodle Toys & Games to Downtown Bellevue last month, offering the community a vast selection of games, novelties, puzzles, and more. Read on to hear more about his favorite part about working Downtown, why he enjoys owning a toy shop and his favorite places around the city.

Person Behind The Place: Trinity Parker

Trinity Parker’s leadership role at Symetra provides her an opportunity to uplift underserved communities and advance equity and inclusion in the business world. We sat down with her to discuss how she continues to be champion of diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as hear about some of her favorite places around town.

Person Behind The Place: Kate Hudson

With 15 years of experience in the hotel industry, Kate Hudson, director of sales and marketing creates a welcoming experience for all at the Residence Inn Seattle Bellevue/Downtown. Hear more about the most challenging moment in her career and where she loves to hang out around town.

Person Behind The Place: Claire Sumadiwirya

Claire Sumadiwirya opened Bellden Cafe in 2017, a community-driven coffee shop in Downtown Bellevue. We sat down with her to discuss how she integrates community work with Bellden Cafe and her favorite spots around town.

Person Behind The Place: E. Michael Whittington

In March 2022, E. Michael Whittington accepted the position as Bellevue Arts Museum's new executive director. Hear more about his ambitions for BAM, what he’s looking forward to at this year’s Arts Fair, and his favorite places around Downtown Bellevue.

Person Behind The Place: Mayor Lynne Robinson

Mayor Lynne Robinson has more than two decades of civic involvement and leadership experience in Bellevue. As we look forward to the State of the City event on June 28, learn more about why Mayor Robinson advocates for equitable housing and public spaces, and where she spends time around town.

Person Behind The Place: Holly Zhang

What started as a traveling pop-up shop grew into a successful business known as Holly Zhang Pearl Gallery. Owner Holly Zhang shares her history with jewelry design, why she came to Bellevue and her go-to spots in town.

Person Behind The Place: Petra Jahn

Growing up as a female athlete, Petra Jahn dealt with sexual harassment every time she stepped foot into a gym. This led her to open ZenRock Fitness, a safe workout space for all. Learn more about their unique services and Jahn’s favorite places in Downtown Bellevue.

Person Behind The Place: Tim Motts

In 2019, Tim Motts moved to Bellevue and became President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue. Hear more about why he believes youth are the greatest asset for communities, what a safe place for kids and teens looks like, and why he loves working in Downtown Bellevue.

Person Behind The Place: Liz Paruchuru

The Bellevue Farmers Market opens on May 12! Liz Paruchuru, marketing engagement manager for BFM, shares what we can expect from this year's season, how BFM supports the community and her favorite spots around Downtown.

Person Behind The Place: Mia Marshall

After 30 years of working for local and global design firms, Mia Marshall decided to start her own business. In 2021, she founded Marshall Design + Management to help real estate developers, landlords, and tenants bring their business visions to life. Hear more about her new business, variety of projects and her favorite spots around town.

Person Behind The Place: Putter Bert

Putter Bert spent most of her childhood in the Boston Children's Museum. Soon after college, she got a job there and went on to earn leadership roles at different children's museum across the country. Eventually, she became CEO and president of KidsQuest Children’s Museum. Hear Putter’s view on the evolution of children’s museums and her favorite spots around town.

Person Behind The Place: Lorali Downes

For years, Lorali's Optical has provided unique, high-quality frames in Old Bellevue. Hear more from owner Lorali Downes about the inspiration behind her products and her treasured spots in the heart of Bellevue.

Person Behind The Place: Manny Romero

Manny Romero has worked with El Gaucho since 2002, and is the longest-serving waiter in Bellevue with 12 years of service. However, working in restaurants wasn't always his plan. Hear more about his reasons for changing careers, his view on the restaurant industry and why he loves Downtown.

Person Behind The Place: David Rees

David Rees opened d’Original Jewelers 32 years ago and is now known as one of the most trusted names on the Eastside. Read on to learn more about Rees’ love for jewelry and his favorite places around the heart of Bellevue.

Person Behind The Place: Donald Elfalan

Long before Bellevue was known as the premier Eastside shopping center, Donald Elfalan saw the potential it had and began his career at Bellevue Square’s Nordstrom in 1991. Today, he’s the top salesperson for the men’s suit department. Learn more about his love for people, styling and the heart of Bellevue.

Person Behind The Place: Andrea Steckler

After decades of working in Bellevue, Andrea Steckler purchased Salon TEWL in 2019. She had plans to change the name until she found out what it stood for: Treat Everyone With Love. Learn more about Steckler's passion for hair, Downtown Bellevue, and where you can find her around town.

Person Behind The Place: Gary Guenther

Throughout his career, Gary Guenther has worked with clients ranging from healthcare organizations, large corporate headquarters, technology companies and local & institutional investors. Read on for more details about Guenther’s work, and where he likes to spend time around town.

Person Behind The Place: Debra Barer

Debra Barer's family has proudly served the Bellevue community for over 20 years, handling packages at The UPS Store in Downtown. Learn more about why she loves working in Downtown and her favorite places around the city.

Person Behind The Place: Jonathan Ip

Bellevue’s continuous growth inspired Dr. Jonathan Ip to open Bellevue Dental Studio in the heart of the city. Learn more about how Ip is changing the perception of dental offices and his favorite places to visit in Downtown Bellevue.

Person Behind The Place: Lorie Hoffman

Although her current title is Arts Community Manager at the City of Bellevue, Lorie Hoffman considers herself an artist first and foremost. Hear Hoffman discuss the importance of art in Downtown Bellevue, current City-supported art projects and her favorite places around town.

Person Behind The Place: Mary Kenney

Last November, Mary Kenney finally opened Rouge Cocktail Lounge in Old Bellevue, serving small bites and New Orleans-inspired cocktails. Hear what inspired her to open a lounge, and where you can find her in Downtown Bellevue.

Person Behind The Place: Marie Harris

Nearly 30 years ago, Marie Harris and her best friend opened Veritables to showcase East and West urban style. After expanding to Bellevue in 2008, Harris fell in love with Main Street and closed the Seattle store. Hear more about why she chose Bellevue and Harris’ favorite spots in Downtown.

Person Behind The Place: Sara Refsland

Last October, Caffe Ladro reopened in need of a qualified manager to run the Bellevue location. Sara Refsland was offered the position immediately. Hear more about why she loves to work at Caffe Ladro and her go-to spots in Downtown Bellevue.

Person Behind The Place: Joe Bae

After years of working odd jobs, Joe Bae entered beauty school and eventually opened Joe Bae Salon in Downtown Bellevue. Read on to learn why his salon stands out, Bae’s future goals and his favorite spots to hang out in the Heart of Bellevue.

Person Behind The Place: Daniel Siegert

Originally from South America, Daniel Siegert knows what great steak tastes like. At just 19, he started working in various Brazilian Steakhouses before ending up at Bellevue's Fogo de Chão. Read on to hear why Fogo de Chão is his longtime favorite, and why Siegert loves working in Downtown Bellevue.

Person Behind The Place: Joseph Brazen

Lifelong broker and owner of favorites Central Bar + Restaurant and 520 Bar & Grill, Joseph Brazen plays a major role in Downtown by bringing vibrant establishments to the city. Hear more about the inspiration behind 520, his favorite spots in Bellevue and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.

Person Behind The Place: Van Pham Choe

For as long as she could remember, Van Pham Choe has always had a knack for the beauty industry. After working in multiple salons, she finally opened Vanity Pham Salon in Downtown Bellevue. Learn more about Choe's salon space, how the pandemic affected her business and her favorite places to be in Downtown Bellevue.

Person Behind The Place: Kemper Freeman

A third-generation resident of Bellevue, Kemper Freeman has played an important role in Bellevue's growth from the early days of downtown to the economic force it is today. Here's an inside look at his career motivations, side hobbies and where he enjoys spending time in Downtown Bellevue.

Person Behind The Place: Jenny Duntz

Jenny Duntz went from an unfulfilling career as a hairdresser to following her passion as an artist, starting with a simple conversation with Eva Vernitska, founder of PNW Art Laboratory. Hear more about her artwork, latest projects, and where you can find Duntz in the Heart of Bellevue.

Person Behind The Place: Rachael Nov

Rachael Nov has always loved the world of fashion. 16 years ago, she was inspired to take her own leap of faith and open La Ree Boutique in Old Bellevue. We had the chance to talk with Nov about what La Ree Boutique offers to the community, how the pandemic has affected them and where to find her in Downtown Bellevue.

Person Behind The Place: Julien Hervet

In 2018, Julien Hervet founded L’Experience Paris, offering 150 wines by the glass and various artisan pastries. What started as a simple hobby of importing wine turned into a full-time entrepreneurial venture. Learn more about Hervet's passion for wine, what makes a great bottle, and where to find him in the Heart of Bellevue.

Person Behind The Place: Janet Lee

In 2019 after thinking and re-thinking her career, Janet Lee became a City Sweats franchise owner in Bellevue and West Seattle, a decision that changed her life for the better. Learn why Lee believes the health and wellness industry is needed now more than ever, and where she loves to spend time in Downtown Bellevue.

Person Behind The Place: Britt Nhi Sarah

A dedicated lover to the winter sport, Britt Nhi Sarah has spent over 20 years teaching others the art of ice skating. This year, she returns as the main skating coach at the Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink presented by Symetra. Learn more about her approach to lessons, and why she loves working in Downtown Bellevue.

Person Behind The Place: Noor Kiswani

Born and raised in Bellevue, the Kiswani brothers opened Uppercuts Barbershop last month, bringing distinct generational skills and experiences to their hometown. Get to know more about Noor Kiswani's favorite places around Downtown and why his family history makes Uppercuts unique.

Person Behind The Place: Jasmine Dailida

In the summer of 2020, Jasmine Dailida recognized the value of Fit4Mom and bought the business with no hesitation, becoming a Black business owner during a pandemic. Nearly two years later, she still has no regrets. Hear why Dailida believes Fit4Mom is more than just a program, and why she loves being part of the Downtown community.

Person Behind The Place: Carmine Smeraldo

In 2016, Carmine Smeraldo (known as CJ) saw the opportunity to expand to Downtown Bellevue and open Carmine’s. Hear more about his journey to create a fine dining Italian restaurant and where you can find him in Downtown Bellevue.

Person Behind The Place: Chaz Lee

Chaz Lee spent a decade of his life crafting his culinary skills which earned him the attention of Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi owner Jeffery Fredericks. Lee took the job and is now working for Ascend as a lead mixologist. We caught up with him on what makes Ascend cocktails unique and his favorite spots Downtown.

Person Behind The Place: Zhiqin Zhang

Zhiqin Zhang headed to Downtown Bellevue in 2012 to open Yuan Spa. Today, she continues to grow her spa empire throughout the Eastside with a second spa location opening in November. We sat down with Zhang and discussed Yuan Spa and her favorite spots in the Heart of Bellevue.

Person Behind The Place: Courtney Voorhees

Courtney Voorhees joined the Bellevue Botanical Garden Society staff and embraced the idea of working for a non-profit and continuing to provide a beautiful place for the downtown community. We caught up with her on exciting events coming up and her favorite spots in the Heart of Bellevue

Person Behind The Place: Tanya Emerick

Pastry chef Tanya Emerick doesn't let anything get in her way, which shows through the success she's built up through the years. We sat down with her to discuss the reopening of The Lakehouse and her favorite places in Downtown Bellevue.

Person Behind The Place: Chris Peterson

Chris Peterson wears many hats as he evolves Bake's Place Bar & Bistro with themed drink nights, high-end food and beverages, live music, beautifully décor and more. We caught up with Peterson on how Bake’s Place has evolved over the years and his favorite spots in Downtown Bellevue.

Person Behind The Place: Charles Celestial

From California to Bellevue, Charles Celestial has forged a home in the Pacific Northwest and quickly climbed his way to Executive Chef at Japonessa Sushi Cocina. His dedication through the years has garnered him wide recognition in the culinary field and many satisfied customers.

Person Behind The Place: Jenna Heberden

Passionate about making the world more inclusive, Jenna Heberden's job at AtWork! is to make the workplace more accessible for people with disabilities. Hear more about what Heberden's looking forward to this year, what makes Bellevue unique and her favorite places to spend time in Downtown.

Person Behind The Place: Cindy Gayte

Keeping the business in the family, Gayte took over Bellevue Thai Kitchen in 2009 and continued her mother's legacy with her own passion for food and hospitality, Bird Pepper was then opened in 2019. We caught up with Gayte on what makes Thai Kitchen Bird Pepper special and why she loves to work Downtown.

Person Behind the Place: Rachel Jenne

We caught up with local barista and cafe manager, Rachel Jenne, at Anchorhead Coffee Co. in City Center Plaza for the latest tea on - well, popular tea and coffee creations unique to the popular roastery and coffeehouse. Hear her thoughts on serving a rapidly shifting #HeartofBellevue and other details fresh off the (french)press!

Person Behind The Place: Gabriel Walton

After 20+ years of salon experience, Gabriel Walton pursued his dream and opened House of Hebe Salon. Walton continues to strive for excellence with his clients and their experience in the salon, as well as helping his students and fellow stylists succeed and grow their passion. Hear more about what inspires him and why he loves working in Downtown Bellevue.

Person Behind the Place: Ryan Grams

From design to construction, Ryan Grams' tenure at GIS International Group continues to enrich the Seattle area and Eastside region with premier authority on architecture planning, land development and custom designs.

Person Behind The Place: Wendell Shirley

In 2020, amid national protest and police reform, Wendell Shirley saw an opportunity to create change and came out of retirement from working in law enforcement for 26 years. Wendell is now the new interim chief for the Bellevue Police Department. We talked with him about the issues he plans to focus on and his favorite part about working in downtown.

Person Behind The Place: Linda Hoffner

From Mrs. Washington to a Senior Property Manager, Linda Hoffner is a Bellevue double threat. Her current focus is creating an all-inclusive community in The Spring District. We caught up with Linda to talk about Downtown's growth and where to find her in the Heart of Bellevue!

Person Behind the Place: Juliet Buder

After a nationwide search, the Bellevue Schools Foundation welcomed Juliet Buder on board as Executive Director to shepherd new strategies for educational access and revamp fundraising efforts.

Person Behind the Place: Patrick McCloskey

Inside the familiar comfort of a coffee shop, Capital One Cafés offer local espresso and loan info. conveniently in one place. With indoor seating now open, swing by the Bellevue Café and grab a seat to talk through all your money questions!

Person Behind The Place: Sophie Banh

Sophie Banh, with the help of her brother, Eric Banh, came to Washington knowing she wanted to do something different in the food world. With limited Vietnamese restaurants in the Seattle area, Monsoon was born in 1999, becoming the first Seattle restaurant to reimagine Vietnamese cuisine using local ingredients and pushing boundaries.

Person Behind the Place: Julia Nagele

One of the creative developers behind 888 Bellevue, Julia Nagele, laid the conceptual foundation for the recently completed 20-story, mixed-use tower located in the #Heartof Bellevue. Known for her preeminent contributions in shaping the Seattle skyline, Julia has risen to the challenge with innovative design sensibilities and a fierce work ethic.

Person Behind the Place: Kristopher Jenkins

After over a year of shutdown, Resonance Events is excited to reopen to the public in a few weeks! General Manager Kristopher Jenkins fills us in on their latest projects, and where you can typically find him the #HeartofBellevue.

Person Behind the Place: Jane Kantor

As someone known to live and breathe the Downtown spirit, Jane Kantor offered us some restaurant recommendations, insights into current Visit Bellevue partnerships and how the #HeartofBellevue shines especially bright with natural vistas and urban development in the mix.

Person Behind the Place: David Boynton

Hear how David Boynton and his multifaceted design company navigated "one of the largest shifts in residential design in decades," along with a few personal referrals for places to visit in the #HeartofBellevue neighborhood.

Person(s) Behind the Place: Alex Thoman & Travis Lange

Meet the dynamic duo known as the BDA's TransManage department! Alex Thoman and Travis Lange lead the charge on a number of widely adopted and accessible transportation solutions around the Eastside region. These two are first and foremost dedicated to driving the pulse of transit in the #HeartofBellevue with transformative projects and innovative ideas.

Person Behind the Place: Kay Fuengarom

With seven dining locations from Seattle to South Everett under her belt, Kay Fuengarom has garnered a positive reputation in the restaurant business since 2000. Hear some of her personal recommendations, her thoughts on the renewed Al Fresco partnership and delicious new developments on the horizon!

Person Behind the Place: Anthony Gill

One of the major behind-the-scenes heroes is Anthony Gill, Economic Development Specialist at the City of Bellevue. Even before the pandemic, he's been helping small businesses succeed in Bellevue. Hear why he loves the #HeartofBellevue and what's going on at the City.

Person Behind the Place: Matthew Klutznick

Appointed General Manager of The Shops at The Bravern in May 2016, Matthew Klutznick is no stranger to Downtown's many shops, restaurants and parks. Hear more about his experience, personal recommendations and favorite memories captured in the #HeartofBellevue!

Person Behind the Place: Leigh Ann More

Leigh Ann More recently stepped into a new role as Interim Executive Director at Bellevue Arts Museum, but has been active within the Eastside arts & culture scene for over a decade. Learn more about her experience, industry insights and favorite destinations in the #HeartofBellevue!

Person Behind the Place: Jenny Corry

Beyond the pints of Guinness at Paddy Coyne’s Bellevue are genuinely good folk, like Jenny Corry, who cook up delicious Irish fare and an energetic atmosphere where friends can always be found and conversations flow like the drinks on tap. We caught up with her to learn more about her favorite destinations in the #HeartofBellevue!

Person Behind the Place: Jim Berreth

When he's not on a commercial building rooftop, Jim Berreth can be found exploring the #HeartofBellevue. We chatted with this Hermanson Company account executive for his take on Bellevue's growth, and why he loves our city.

Person Behind the Place: Kelly Thompson

From creative spaces in Lincoln Square to airy rooms in Bellevue Place, Kelly Thompson manages the community portfolio for WeWork's Bellevue locations. We caught up with her to see why she loves the #HeartofBellevue!

Person Behind the Place: Lee Smith

Lee Smith is a pro at keeping things fresh... whether it's the latest kicks or the newest trends in streetwear, he's known as a friendly face with great style. We caught up with Lee for his take on the Heart of Bellevue.

Person Behind the Place: Kasie Harvey

Kasie Harvey spends her days shaping brows and building confidence. Here's her take on our community.

Person Behind the Place: Blaise Bouchand

Good design and great taste define local designer Blaise Bouchand's reputation... he's an active member of the Downtown business and arts community, where he's busy helping shape the vibrancy of Downtown. We caught up with Blaise to learn his take on the Heart of Bellevue.

Person Behind the Place: Cathy Lalley

Cathy Lalley knows good food like she knows the Heart of Bellevue: very well! We caught up with Cathy to see what she's been up to at John Howie Steak and Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar, and where we might find her out in the community.

Person Behind the Place: Joe Vilardi

When we think of classic Bellevue dining, no spot stands out more than Bis On Main. We caught up with owner Joe Vilardi to learn a bit more about his take on the Heart of Bellevue and where we might find him outside of the restaurant.

Person Behind the Place: Cody Brazen

Coming from a family dedicated to shaping Bellevue's dining scene, Cody Brazen is no stranger to Downtown. We caught up with her to discuss why she loves being the General Manager at Central Bar + Restaurant, and the places she can be found in the #HeartofBellevue.

Person Behind the Place: Shawn Nickerson

Coffee may be the thing that gets most of us going in the morning, but that’s certainly the case for Café Cesura owner Shawn Nickerson.

Person Behind the Place: Marilyn Zonnefeld

We caught up with Marilyn to learn her favorite spots around town and what's new at her store...

Person Behind the Place: Nancy Miller Hart

Get to know longtime J.Crew Bellevue manager and Downtown style icon Nancy Miller Hart.