Olson to Draw Upon Rich Background in New Role, Implementing ‘People Strategies’ that Align with Urban Renaissance Group’s Goals of Delivering Thriving Places
Longtime Team Member Renee Evans to Step Down from Vice President of Human Resources & Organizational Development Role After Joining Urban Renaissance Group More Than 17 Years Ago as Company’s First Employee
Seattle, WA May 15th, 2023 – Commercial real estate firm Urban Renaissance Group LLC (www.urbanrengroup.com) (URG) today announced that it has expanded its team with the addition of new Vice President of Human Resources, Anna Olson as longtime URG Vice President of Human Resources & Organization Development and original URG employee Renee Evans steps into a consulting role.
“Through successful HR work at well-known local companies across the Puget Sound, Anna brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Urban Renaissance Group,” said URG CEO Patrick Callahan. “I’m thrilled to announce her hire and confident that her proven track record and passion for HR will be a great asset for our 200 plus team members.”
“As a founding team member, Renee has been critical to our company’s growth by connecting our team members with roles in which they thrived in and helping to strengthen and fortify URG through many years of growth,” continued Callahan. “She’s destined for great things and we look forward to continuing our relationship with her through a consulting lens.”
Anna Olson, Vice President of Human Resources
As Vice President of Human Resources, Olson will be responsible for developing and implementing people strategies that align with URG’s business objectives, including developing vibrant futures for cities, towns and neighborhoods. She will also work closely with the company’s leadership team to ensure employees have resources and support to thrive and grow.
Prior to joining URG, Olson worked as Director, People and Culture at casual local gaming company Big Fish Games—where she led strategy and delivery of key people and culture programs to inspire employees and deliver business objectives while focusing on employee culture/engagement, career development, leadership coaching and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
Olson also worked at multinational video game company Nintendo, where she developed and delivered new programs including manager trainings, diversity and inclusion initiatives, innovation programs and job leveling while performing a broad range of HR tasks including talent and team development and executive coaching. She also previously held roles at Moss Adams and BSQUARE.
“I am thrilled to join this exceptional executive team as the Vice President of Human Resources. I look forward to leveraging my expertise and experience to drive the growth and success of the organization, while also fostering a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and employee engagement.” said Olson.
Renee Evans, Outgoing Vice President of Human Resources & Organization Development
Longtime Vice President of Human Resources & Organization Development Renee Evans, who joined Urban Renaissance Group as its very first employee in 2006, will step away from her role to begin pursuing entrepreneurship opportunities, philanthropic endeavors and consulting for URG’s leadership as needed.
Throughout her time at URG, she successfully furthered critical foundational responsibilities—from culture building, recruiting and organizational development to growth management, compensation program management, employee relations, performance management, HR consultation/conflict resolution, risk management/compliance, and training and development.
Renee is moving into entrepreneurial pursuits, including the launching of her dream endeavor of a new lavender farm in Stanwood, WA; Our Legacy Fields. Renee continues to be active in King and Snohomish County’s charitable causes and urban initiatives for better health, safety and vitality. Renee remains on the Joshua Green Foundation Board of Directors to advance the Foundation’s mission to advocate for the betterment of our communities through strong civic pride, good works and generosity.
“There are few greater opportunities than to learn from and work with the best, most inspirational collection of professionals and be tasked with caring for them throughout their career development. With the opening of Our Legacy Fields Lavender Farm, I get to turn that same passion for place-making and care to everyone who visits the farm looking for a peaceful moment by offering a place of beauty and belonging.” said Evans.
About Urban Renaissance Group
Urban Renaissance Group LLC is a Seattle-based full-service commercial real estate company, engaged in acquisitions, development, asset management, leasing, property management and ownership in Seattle, Bellevue, Denver and Portland. Founded in 2006, the strategic premise of Urban Renaissance Group (URG) is that the form of the American City is changing. URG acts as a catalyst that understands and ignites that change, thereby building community, generating appropriate returns for its investors and opportunities for its partners and employees. Learn more at www.urbanrengroup.com.
