University District Welcomes New CEO Juliet Sinisterra

SPOKANE, Wash., December 21, 2021—The University District Development Association (www.spokaneudistrict.org) board of directors announced today that Juliet Sinisterra has been appointed CEO of the organization. Sinisterra has served as the University District’s interim CEO since July 2021, succeeding Lars Gilberts.

A native of Spokane, Juliet brings over 25 years of experience in urban design, master planning, project management, community engagement, and sustainable community development from her work in both the Seattle and Spokane areas.

Juliet served as Economic Development Manager for the Downtown Spokane Partnership where she led the development of support services for downtown Spokane businesses and startups through strategic planning, urban projects, public art, and partnership development.

Juliet also oversaw the community vision and led the development of the Riverfront Park Master Plan which led to the successful voter approval of a $64.3 million bond.

In the past few years, Juliet served as Building Platform Product Manager for Katerra around a replicable mass timber speculative office building, and most recently, has supported various community development initiatives in Spokane including a Spokane Culture Corridor for downtown, the integration of public art into the Spokane Transit Authority’s City Line, and the support of a strategic action plan for the Spokane County Food Security Coalition.

Lindsey Myhre, Executive VP and CFO of STCU and chair of the University District board of directors, says the board is thrilled to welcome Juliet to the organization in a permanent capacity. “Juliet brings considerable talents and professional connections to the University District. Her background in diverse sectors is a tremendous asset and will help us build the infrastructure and programming that enable smart urban growth, shared community wellness, and business and academic vibrancy in the District.”

Adds Bill Bouten, President of Bouten Construction and University District CEO selection committee member, “We were fortunate to have an outstanding candidate in our own backyard for this important leadership role. Juliet’s passion for the Spokane community, her hands-on approach, expertise in urban planning, and ability to coalesce multiple interests will serve the University District and our community for years to come.”

“I am deeply grateful to the University District search committee and board of directors for their confidence in me. It will be an honor to serve the Spokane community in this role,” Sinisterra says. “I look forward to working alongside the University District’s diverse partners, stakeholders, and neighbors to fulfill the organization’s vision and mission to advance the District’s hub of education, innovation, research, and health care.”

Juliet holds a professional Bachelor of Architecture degree and a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from Washington State University. Juliet also holds certificates in urban design from Syracuse University, Florence, Italy, and in Transition Towns.

###

The University District offers opportunities to address economic development issues, smart urban growth, environmental restoration, transportation improvements, and housing needs. Connecting the core strengths of the educational institutions with regional economic drivers, the University District provides an urban laboratory for the creation of new knowledge and opportunities for community-engaged research that builds economic value and quality of life. Find out more at www.spokaneudistrict.org.