See who’s running for the AWC Board of Directors

The AWC Nominating Committee has closed the call for applications for positions on the AWC Board of Directors. The application deadline was Monday, April 13.

Officers: The positions of President, Vice President, and Secretary are advanced to the Nominating Committee by the AWC Board of Directors. On January 20, 2026, the AWC Board took action to forward Mayor Jon Nehring, Marysville, for the position of President; Mayor Matthew Lundh, Cle Elum, for the position of Vice President; and Mayor Nancy Backus, Auburn, for the position of Secretary. These individuals are elected at the AWC Annual Meeting, with no additional nominations from the floor.

Single-city districts: District 10 is a single-city district, appointed by the legislative body of the City of Tacoma. Like other even-numbered district positions, District 10 is a two-year term that will commence at the Annual Meeting. The City of Tacoma has reported its selection of Councilmember John Hines to continue serving in this position.

Members of the AWC Board play a critical role in AWC’s success

The primary responsibilities of the AWC Board of Directors are to oversee the discharge of the general organizational responsibilities, including: exercise due diligence and oversight to ensure sound financials and policies; adopt the annual budget and membership fees; adopt the legislative agenda in accordance with the Statement of Policy; adopt and monitor execution of the AWC strategic plan; act as an ambassador to members in the respective district; and provide direction on other issues as requested.

Read the Board of Directors overview of responsibilities for qualifications and time requirements.

Learn who is eligible to apply for a position

To be eligible to serve on the AWC Board of Directors in a multi-city or at-large district, an elected official must meet the following criteria:

• Serve as an elected official from a member city or town located within an AWC Board district with an ending term or vacancy in 2026 (note positions above and see this listing of all cities and towns by district);
• Hold elective office in a city or town within the state for a minimum of one year; and
• Meet the requirements for the Certificate of Municipal Leadership (CML) by June 5, 2026.

Learn what it takes to achieve your Certificate of Municipal Leadership (CML) or if you’ve already earned it! The CML program recognizes mayors and councilmembers for accomplishing training in competency areas. You can track your progress toward your CML or contact AWC staff for more information.

Submit an application by Monday, April 13

The application window is now closed.

Candidates applying after the April 13 deadline will have the option to run for a position from the floor during the AWC Annual Meeting on Thursday, June 25, at 4 pm in Spokane.

Mark these important dates

• Monday, March 23: Q&A session with the CEO and select Board members to learn about serving on the AWC Board of Directors.
• Monday, April 13: Application deadline.
• Tuesday, April 28: The AWC Nominating Committee meets to review applications for Board candidates. Candidates will be notified roughly one week after the meeting if they are selected to advance for an interview. The invitation will include confirmation of the interview date/time.
• Tuesday, June 23: The Nominating Committee meets to interview candidates and compile the final list of nominated candidates. Candidates must be available for an interview in Spokane on this day.
• Wednesday, June 24: The final candidate list is submitted to voting delegates no less than 24 hours prior to the AWC Annual Meeting on Thursday, June 25.
• Thursday, June 25: AWC Annual Meeting in Spokane, 4 - 5:45 pm.

Resources

• About AWC
• Cities by board district
• Overview of Board responsibilities
• AWC Strategic Plan

2026 Nominating Committee appointed

The AWC Board Nominating Committee is established by AWC Bylaws and convenes every year to recruit, interview, and select a list of potential candidates for election to the AWC Board of Directors. The AWC President appoints between seven and 11 voting members to serve on the committee.

The Nominating Committee will open its call for applications for the AWC Board of Directors after its first meeting January 29, 2026. Elections for even-numbered Board districts will occur at the AWC Annual Meeting on June 25.

2026 Nominating Committee

AWC President Fred Brink appointed the following members to the 2026 Nominating Committee, which includes one person from each multi-city board district.

• Mayor Rob Putaansuu (Chair), AWC Past President, Port Orchard
• Mayor Francis Benjamin (Vice Chair), AWC Past President, Pullman
• Mayor Stephanie Vignal (Secretary), Mill Creek
• Mayor Matt Cole, Ridgefield
• Councilmember Naila Duval, Toppenish
• Mayor Cris Kaminskas, Liberty Lake
• Council President Satwinder Kaur, Kent
• Mayor Erin McCardle, Chelan
• Mayor Dave Olson, Edgewood
• Councilmember Chris Roberts, Shoreline
• Mayor Ronnie Wright, Oak Harbor

Recruitment for the 2026 Nominating Committee was open fall 2025. Appointments were made in January 2026.

Nominating Committee meeting dates

• January 29
• April 28
• June 23

Questions?

Alicia Seegers Martinelli or Betsy Hildreth
(360) 753-4137