Billy Pettit
Senior Vice President
Pillar Properties

Bill Pettit is responsible for the growth and development of Pillar Properties and sister company Merrill Gardens. Both companies are owned and operated by the R.D. Merrill Company. This long time privately held family company is based in Seattle and has roots that extend back to the 1890’s when R.D. Merrill established timberland holdings in the Pacific Northwest.

Pettit joined the R.D. Merrill Company is 1982 and has been instrumental in setting the course for both Pillar Properties and senior housing operator Merrill Gardens. Under Pettit’s leadership, Pillar Properties has quickly grown to become a leader in the Pacific Northwest for developing, owning and managing apartment residences that express the unique personality and vitality of the signature neighborhoods of the Pacific Northwest. Pettit led Pillar Properties partnership with Daniels Real Estate for the development of the iconic Stadium Place project in Seattle’s Pioneer Square.

Prior to joining the Merrill companies, Pettit worked in the banking industry for 18 years, including four years as president of Pacific First Bank in Seattle. Pettit received a B.A. degree from Princeton University and a M.B.A. degree from the University of Oregon.