Stacie Cowell was named senior equity portfolio manager at Rainier...

Stacie Cowell was named senior equity portfolio manager at Rainier Investment Management. It is a new position, said Tony Denninger, spokesman. Ms. Cowell's primary focus will include the technology, consumer goods and health care sectors. She will report to Jim Margard, Rainier CIO and director of equity management. Ms. Cowell was a lead portfolio manager and analyst for INVESCO Funds Group; spokesman Bill Hensel did not return a call seeking comment on a replacement. In addition, principals Mark Broughton, John O'Halloran and James Ridgeway were named internal shareholders of Rainier. Ron Alvares, director of mutual fund adviser services; Kyle Mylius, director of client service and consultant relations; and Steven Sundberg, director of mutual fund institutional services, were named principals. The firm now has 15 principals, 11 of whom are shareholders. Rainier's internal shareholders own common stock in the firm and principals share in the firm's profits.

David A. Russell joined hedge fund-of-funds manager Attalus Capital Investment as portfolio strategist. The position is new, according to a statement from the firm. Mr. Russell is a member of the investment committees that determine investment strategy and allocations for the company's funds, which have a combined $1 billion in assets under management. He also will oversee communication to the company's clients and investment consultants. Mr. Russell was a principal and primary consultant at Ennis Knupp + Associates, where his client relationships were reassigned to other consultants, said Harmony Watley, a spokeswoman. Ennis Knupp is not searching for a direct replacement, Ms. Watley added.

Robert Brooks was named senior vice president and national sales manager at PowerShares Capital Management, according to a news release. Mr. Brooks was principal and national sales manager for State Street Global Advisors. SSgA is conducting a search for his replacement, said Brian Willinsky, spokesman. Bill Conboy, PowerShares company spokesman, did not return calls by press time seeking further information.

Bob Thompson joined Union Bank of California as vice president to run business development in the Midwest, confirmed spokeswoman Katie Pandes. It is a new position. As senior business development officer and relationship manager, Mr. Thompson will focus on marketing custody services to Taft-Hartley plans. He will be based in Chicago. Mr. Thompson was senior vice president in the institutional trust unit at LaSalle Bank; spokesman Shawn M. Platt couldn't immediately provide information about a replacement.

Jerome Melcer was appointed senior consultant at actuary Lane Clark & Peacock, where he will advise corporate clients on managing pension risk. The position is new. Mr. Melcer was actuarial director at account BDO Stoy Hayward, where he was not replaced. His duties were assigned to a colleague, said company spokeswoman Samantha Dew.