BizQuest: Thinking Beyond the Ladder

KidsQuest Children’s Museum is excited to present its annual corporate fundraiser, BizQuest, featuring a panel of local professional leaders diving into a topic that will inspire employers and employees alike. BizQuest welcomes business community leaders annually to discuss creative ways to strengthen work environments, while supporting KidsQuest Children’s Museum.

Kristin Graham is the founder of Unlock, which looks to the latest on brain science, psychology, and habits to figure out how to unlock potential and performance. A former journalist, she spent 20 years leading culture and communications at global companies (most recently at Amazon) and is now a global speaker and strategist on the topic of communications, productivity, and neuroscience.

Kiotta Marshall is a Project Manager at LinkedIn, driving strategic initiatives and programs that provide transformational impact for members, customers, and colleagues. Her work contributes to creating economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce, and she complements this vision with volunteer activities focused on education. At LinkedIn, she participates in the Coaches program, coaching professionals facing barriers to help grow their careers and expand their networks. She’s also on the Board of Look, Listen, and Learn, whose mission is to advance early learning in children of color through media and television, and is the Conference Committee Chair for AFP Advancement Northwest. Kiotta received her master’s in Arts Administration and Public Affairs from Indiana University Bloomington. When not at work, you can find her spending quality time with her husband or out on the PNW trails.

Rob Nohle, MD, is a practicing pediatrician and serves as the Senior Associate Medical Director, Human Resources and Compliance at the Washington Permanente Medical Group—the Pacific Northwest’s largest medical group with over 1500 providers. In his Medical Director role for Washington Permanente Medical Group (WPMG), Dr. Nohle works with a team that is responsible for a variety of processes within the Human Resources department including workforce planning, strategic development, staff development, performance management, compensation and benefits, staff engagement, and recruiting.

Dr. Nohle previously served as the Chief of Pediatrics for more than 10 years at WPMG. He was responsible for all aspects of pediatric care within the organization including hiring, strategic direction, contracting, quality and safety. Prior to his current role, he also served on the WPMG Board of Directors. In 2014, Dr. Nohle obtained his Senior Partner in Human Resources certification (SPHR).

A graduate of University of Washington and University of Washington School of Medicine, Dr. Nohle completed his pediatric residency at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles in 1998. He is board certified in Pediatrics.

Melody Zhang serves as Chief Human Resources Officer for Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, providing human capital leadership to align talent and business strategies with the company’s vision and business objectives. She is responsible for all aspects of human resources, including talent management, total rewards, diversity and inclusion, organizational development, internal communication, and HR systems and infrastructure.

Melody joined Ste. Michelle in November 2020. Melody brings a wealth of experience to Ste. Michelle having served in senior human resources positions across several global enterprises including Anheuser-Busch InBev, The Hershey Company, Carlisle Companies, and most recently at Milgard Windows & Doors as Vice President Human Resources. Melody holds a bachelor’s degree from the School of Labor Relations and Human Resources at Renmin University of China, as well a master’s degree in industrial and labor relations from Cornell University and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of New Hampshire. Melody currently serves on the boards of Asia Pacific Cultural Center and Milgard Women’s Initiative. She is a bilingual business professional fluent in both English and Mandarin Chinese.

Putter Bert joined KidsQuest Children’s Museum (KQCM) in 1999 as Executive Director and lead the plan to create a new children’s museum in Bellevue. KQCM opened in Factoria in 2005. Putter then led a $12.7M capital campaign to secure a downtown Bellevue location for an expanded facility that opened in January 2017; it serves over 100,000 people annually welcoming families from King County as well as Snohomish, Pierce, and Kitsap Counties and visitors from across the country.

Ms. Bert has over 30 years of experience serving in leadership roles at The Children’s Museum of Tacoma, The Children’s Museum of Arkansas, The Portsmouth Children’s Museum and The Boston Children’s Museum. As KidsQuest President & CEO she has been a leader in the museum’s community collaborations with partners such as the City of Bellevue, Boeing, Microsoft, ACM (Association of Children’s Museums) and NWAYM (Northwest Association of Youth Museums). Putter Bert is active on boards for ACM, Eastside Pathways, Bellevue Downtown Association, Inspire WA, and Visit Bellevue.