Seattle, WA-Jim Norman, principal of Sage Real Estate Strategies in Seattle, has been named to the Board of Trustees of the Pacific Northwest Research Institute (PNRI, now PNDRI). Mr. Norman has joined a distinguished group of business leaders guiding the Institute's strategic growth as it advances diabetes and cancer research.

Under the leadership of Dr. Paul Robertson, PNRI has undergone momentous growth in the past six years. It has expanded its research programs significantly and built a comprehensive center for diabetes science. The current challenge is to continue this scientific growth and success, to develop new technology and innovative research ideas, to expand PNRI's public profile, and to cultivate new private support.

Norman brings broad experience and expertise to the PNRI Board. In a long career in commercial real estate he has held executive positions with such firms as Wright Runstad & Company, the Trammell Crow Company and most prominently The Norman Company, where he was founder and owner. He played key roles in the development of 1111 Third Avenue and One Bellevue Center, while with Wright Runstad, and in the management and sales of major downtown office buildings, including the Bank of California, Park Place, Marsh McLennan and the Columbia Tower, while heading The Norman Company. Now, with a group of very experienced partners at Sage, he is providing important consulting advice to health care, higher education, and business clients throughout the region.

According to Robertson, CEO and Scientific Director at PNRI, Mr. Norman is a very important addition to the Institute's Board. "Jim has business experience and strategic planning knowledge that will be very helpful to us. He will provide crucial strategic guidance as the Institute grows. His insight and expertise will help us make the best business decisions to advance our scientific mission."