June 24, 2025 – Seattle, WA-based Reffett Associates has placed Ken Ossinger as vice president of finance for Fremont Brewing. He will report directly to Matt Lincecum CEO and co-founder of Fremont Brewing. “Ken’s deep experience with finance and accounting, history of working for many small and medium sized companies, and energetic and positive attitude make him an excellent selection to help guide Fremont Brewing as they continue to grow their presence in the craft brewing marketplace” said Kern Gillete, managing director and Reffett Associates’ lead recruiter for this search.

Mr. Ossinger currently runs a private accounting/consulting practice that includes interim CFO and controllership duties. He has also worked in high-growth companies. His breadth of financial experience includes M&A, debt financing rounds, investor relations and reporting. Mr. Ossinger also is experienced with budgeting and operational reporting.

In his new role, Mr. Ossinger will lead all financial functions, including accounting, financial reporting, cost accounting, budgeting, and compliance. This position is integral to achieving Fremont Brewery’s vision by driving financial health, profitability, and strategic alignment in partnership with senior leadership.

Founded in 2009 and located in Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, WA, Fremont Brewery is a craft brewery committed to sustainability, innovation, and producing high-quality beer. Founded on a passion for great beer and community, Fremont has grown into a respected Pacific Northwest brand with a strong regional presence. In 2024, Seattle Hospitality Group (SHG) acquired a controlling interest in Fremont Brewing. SHG is known for investing in iconic Pacific Northwest brands.

Reffett Associates is a nationally recognized executive search firm. The boutique talent provider has extensive experience in retail and consumer packaged goods, private equity, commercial and federal services, government sectors, and associations and non-profits. Its team is made up of executives with tangible industry experience, possessing real world, relatable knowledge about the challenges executives face in managing talent in a competitive marketplace. Reffett Associates has office locations in the metro areas surrounding Seattle, WA; Washington, DC; Metro, NY; and Dallas, TX.

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Mr. Gillette joined Reffett Associates in early 2024. He has significant experience as an operating executive. Past positions include president and CEO of Cinnabon, Molbak’s and Graces Kitchen. He was also CFO of Reese Brothers, Cinnabon, Grace’s Kitchen, and Olympic Boat Centers. His work as an executive and advisor has spanned a variety of industries, including food processing, multi-unit retail including restaurants, technology, manufacturing, franchise, retail and wholesale distribution, seafood catching and processing, lumber and specialty building products, financial and professional services, aerospace, real estate and construction, and alternative energy. Mr. Gillette has direct experience with a wide variety of capital structures including family owned, private equity, ESOP, public and cooperative.

Washington State Gambling Commission Search

Earlier this year, Reffett Associates assisted in the recruitment of Jeneva Cotton as the deputy director for the Washington State Gambling Commission where she will run the day-today operations and support the commission’s executive director, Tina Griffin. The search was led by Tom Young, the firm’s director of operations in their Seattle office. “Jeneva’s strong experience as a manager and background in dealing with complex compliance and regulatory issues as well as her natural ability to listen to the needs and concerns of a wide variety of stakeholders make her an excellent addition to the Gambling Commission,” Mr. Young said.

Ms. Cotton brings a wealth of experience from her extensive public service career. Prior to joining the Gambling Commission, she served as the juvenile division director at the King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention since July 2023. “Jeneva brings a vast amount of experience implementing programs and collaborating with stakeholders, both internal and external, including but not limited to legislative workgroups, labor relations partners, Disability Rights Washington, and the governor’s office,” the gambling commission wrote in a statement.

The Gambling Commission was established in 1973. This accredited law enforcement agency has jurisdiction over all gambling activities in Washington state except horse racing and the state lottery. The Gambling Commission oversees all tribal gaming in Washington and works closely with the 29 federally recognized tribes to ensure that this billion-dollar industry is free from the criminal element.

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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media