Kari Magill is new Rowley CEO
November 4, 2008
By Administrator
Kari Magill, recently named the new chief executive officer of Rowley Properties, stands outside the business’s headquarters. Photo by By Greg Farrar.
Kari Magill has been promoted to chief executive officer of Rowley Properties. She replaces her father, Skip Rowley, at the helm of the 54-year old company founded by his father, George Rowley Sr.
Magill assumed her new responsibilities Aug. 1. She previously served as the company’s chief operating officer, a position she held since 1994.Now, Magill is forging the next era for the company, which includes a phased development of the 60-acre Hyla Crossing and Rowley Center at state Route 900 and Northwest Gilman Boulevard. She also will guide the management and renovation of existing properties.
In an e-mail interview with The Press, Magill provided a glimpse of what’s ahead.
Q: Do you plan to make any significant changes in the company or its business model?
A: No. Really, my role is to help continue Rowley’s transition and progression forward. Certainly we have some development opportunities, but those will all be grounded in the belief that we are stewards of our community.
Q: What opportunities do you see in Issaquah?
A: We certainly see some great opportunities for our community, especially around Hyla. While much of the region’s development has happened on the plateau, the valley floor hasn’t received the attention it deserves.
Q: What is the timeline for development of Hyla Crossing?
A: We are taking a very thoughtful approach to Hyla, making sure our plans mesh well. We are in the process of developing the first phase of a multistage approach and expect to share details of that soon.
Q: What is your approach to green or sustainable development?
A: You know, we’ve been incorporating sustainable building practices long before they were in vogue. In fact, our John L. Scott building was recently certified Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold by the U.S. Green Building Council. We fully expect to continue our leadership position in this area.
Q: Where will you focus the company’s civic involvement?
A: My father, while stepping down in his formal role as Rowley’s CEO, will continue to head our civic involvement. Historically, we have focused much of our civic involvement on efforts that help local residents through education, arts and culture, community and more.
Q: Do you plan to increase staff?
A: As we ramp up work around Hyla, there is a possibility we may increase staff, but we’ve been extraordinarily fortunate in finding and retaining a top-notch staff that does exceptional work.
Q: Do you have a vision for redeveloping your Issaquah properties?
A: Certainly. The phased future redevelopment will be carefully envisioned — a richly designed experience for a variety of participants. It will be created for our friends, travelers, businesspeople, shoppers and day-trippers. Our development focus is on strategies of sustainability — a uniquely planned framework that will support and evolve with our community’s growth and needs.
Q: What role will Skip have in company direction?
A: I have assumed more of the day-to-day operations over the course of the past few years. It has been a gradual change we’ve recently made public. I am fortunate to have my father here as a mentor. He is a wealth of knowledge and is very valuable to me. He’ll serve as a resource and sounding board when need be, but more importantly, he’ll serve as an ambassador for Rowley within the greater community.
Q: Is there another family generation coming that may take over the company after you?
A: I would love for this third-generation business to be passed on to my children, but I would never put any pressure on them.
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