Rebekah Nicodemus, with her decade-long stint at Amazon’s communications powerhouse, has always been the kind of professional who thrived on the high-energy pulse of tech innovation. After shaping narratives for AWS and diving deep into the world of games at Amazon, she wasn’t one to rest on her laurels. Instead, she leaped into a bold new chapter as the head of Bastion America’s U.S. office—a fresh outpost for the London-based marketing agency specializing in the video game sector. Operating from a new Seattle hub, Bastion is gearing up to recruit talent nationwide, capitalizing on the region’s tech magnetism. Ravi Vijh, Bastion’s managing director, praised her drive, noting how her Amazon experience perfectly synced with their client-centric ethos. Imagine Nicodemus, once steering communications for cloud computing giants, now championing the imaginative worlds of gamers; it’s a career pivot that feels like stepping from the boardroom into the beta test, full of potential for storytelling in a wildly creative industry. Beyond the corporate buzz, this move signals a deeper quest for passion in a space where technology meets entertainment, where one wrong pitch could mean the difference between a blockbuster hit and a forgotten flop. She’s not just taking a job; she’s building a bridge between global brands and local dreams, drawing on her LA PR roots at Grayling to weave compelling tales that resonate. In a city like Seattle, where rain and innovation often blend seamlessly, Nicodemus embodies the restless spirit of someone always seeking the next level of challenge, proving that true fulfillment comes from aligning work with intrinsic joy.
Meanwhile, Joseph Williams, a stalwart figure in Seattle’s tech-public service crossroads, is charting his own course by stepping into the role of governance, risk management, and compliance director at Artemis Connection. After serving as interim director of the Washington State Broadband Office in the Department of Commerce, Williams brings a wealth of experience from the intersection of policy and technology. He’s no stranger to volunteering either, having led the Northwest Quantum Nexus as its go-to executive director to foster quantum research in the Pacific Northwest. Artemis, with its strategic consulting bent across industries, seems like the perfect stage for someone who’s spent years navigating the delicate dance between innovation and oversight. Picture Williams, deeply rooted in the Seattle community, transitioning from government hallways to the crisp, analytical world of consulting—it’s a move that highlights his commitment to ethical tech advancement. His background in public service has likely instilled in him a vigilance for risks that could derail progress, making him an invaluable advisor to business leaders wary of emerging threats. In an era where data breaches and regulatory hurdles are ever-present, Williams’ role at Artemis is about safeguarding the future, ensuring that tech doesn’t outpace its own governance. This isn’t just a job shift; it’s a continuation of his lifelong mission to blend public good with private enterprise, a testament to Seattle’s collaborative ethos where tech meets humanity.
Over at Seattle startup mpathic, which is making waves in AI safety for mental health support, the energy is palpable as they onboard new C-suite talent to expand their offerings. Rebekah Bastian, a trailblazer who founded OwnTrail and led community efforts at Zillow, now steps in as chief marketing officer, bringing stories of personal branding and cultural resonance to a company dedicated to protecting young users in vulnerable spaces. Her recent stint at Glowforge as senior VP of marketing and product has sharpened her skills in positioning tools that matter, and here, she’s applying them to an ethical AI frontier. Alongside her is Alison Cerezo, promoted to chief science officer after over a year with mpathic; her roots in public health as a principal investigator in California and a professor at UC Santa Barbara add layers of scientific rigor to their mission. Together, they represent a human-focused duo in the AI realm, where algorithms aren’t just code but lifelines for those seeking mental and medical aid. Bastian’s journey from career navigation platforms to AI safeguarding speaks to the evolution of female leaders embracing social impact, while Cerezo’s academic pedigree ensures that innovations are grounded in real-world needs. It’s refreshing to see a startup prioritize such roles, humanizing the tech narrative by centering on safety and support. Their photos side by side evoke a sense of partnership, reminding us that in the quest to harness AI’s power, it’s the human heart behind the innovation that truly drives change.
Ben Nahir, a Seattle-area resident who’s been quietly scaling the venture capital ladders at Elevate Capital in Hillsboro, Oregon, has hit a milestone with his promotion to partner. Since joining in 2018 after his time at TiE Oregon, where he nurtured entrepreneurs through mentorship and investments, Nahir has grown from senior associate to venture principal, playing a key role in broadening Elevate’s portfolio. The firm’s statement underscores his dedication to underrepresented founders, a passion that likely stems from his own experiences in investment circles. Living in the Pacific Northwest, Nahir might stroll through Seattle’s coffee-scented streets, reflecting on deals that turned ideas into empires. His journey highlights the grind of VC life, where patience and insight turn 10-hour days into lasting legacies. By empowering voices often marginalized in tech, he’s not just securing returns; he’s fostering diversity in innovation. This promotion feels like a personal win too—a nod to persistence in a field that’s more marathon than sprint. As a partner now, Nahir’s influence will ripple outward, potentially inspiring the next wave of founders to chase equity and equality in equal measure.
Elsewhere, the ripples of career evolution continue. Liz Ferega, after six years as SVP of revenue and growth at Accolade—a healthcare navigation firm she helmed from Florida—has stepped away, no doubt ready for new horizons after the company’s 2020 IPO and growth in Seattle and Philly. Her departure opens space for fresh energy in a sector focused on advocacy and delivery. Then there’s Lisa Chin, ascending to CEO of Juma, the San Francisco nonprofit tackling poverty through youth empowerment in Seattle and California tech hubs; her prior leadership at Year Up Seattle in workforce training positions her as a force for change, guiding young lives toward tech prowess. And Samantha Temple Neukom, a Seattle strategist with a resume studded by giants like Microsoft and Apptio, is closing the book on her 13-year run at brand firm Northbound, keeping her next move under wraps with a LinkedIn post of heartfelt gratitude. Her words reveal a soul-searching path, rich with mentorship and friendships that shaped her growth, painting a picture of a professional at peace with endings. These stories intertwine ambition and introspection, showing how even high achievers seek balance. Neukom’s ambivalence about her future adds a layer of vulnerability, reminding us that success isn’t linear—it’s about timing, wisdom, and the courage to embrace the unknown.
Finally, the wave of transitions touches diverse fields, from law to nonprofit to aerospace. Megan McNally, the legal sage who’s been a startup whisperer, has launched Edgewater Business Law PLLC, channeling her founder spirit from launching FBomb Breakfast Club for women entrepreneurs and the BBomb Angels investment network. In a male-dominated world, her passion for peer support and funding is a beacon. Brianna Rockenstire joins WTIA as events manager, transitioning from directing the Center of Excellence for Information & Computing Technology in Bellevue, where she championed workforce development through tech colleges—impressive roots in community building. Kory Mathews, fresh from nearly 40 years at Boeing, lends his aerospace wisdom to Natilus’ board in San Diego, coinciding with the company’s $28 million funding for efficient aircraft. And Wendy Kei, a strategic advisor to B.C.-based General Fusion on the cusp of a $1 billion SPAC public debut, brings boardroom expertise from Ontario Power Generation and diamond mining CFO roles, her international flair adding global perspective. These moves collectively weave a tapestry of reinvention: McNally’s legal venture feels intimate and pioneering, Rockenstire’s event orchestration promises vibrant connections, Mathews’ board stint carries the weight of legacy, and Kei’s advisory role heralds energy revolutions. In Seattle’s tech tapestry, where personal stories fuel collective progress, each transition underscores the human drive for purpose beyond paychecks—a reminder that careers, like puzzles, click when pieces align with passion.
