Nominating Committee calling for applications for the AWC Board of Directors

The AWC Nominating Committee has closed the call for applications for positions on the AWC Board of Directors. Application deadline was Monday, April 14.

AWC Board of Directors applicants

President and Vice President: The positions of President and Vice President are advanced to the Nominating Committee by the AWC Board of Directors. On February 20, the AWC Board took action to forward Mayor Pro Tem Fred Brink, West Richland, for the position of President and Mayor Jon Nehring, Marysville, for the position of Vice President. These individuals are elected at the AWC Annual Meeting, with no additional nominations from the floor.

At the February 20 meeting, the AWC Board of Directors also took action to name Mayor Matthew Lundh Secretary-elect. Mayor Lundh will move into this position at the conclusion of the Annual Meeting.

Single-city districts: The legislative bodies for the City of Spokane (District 9) and the City of Seattle (District 11) will appoint their respective directors and report their action to the Nominating Committee. These terms will also commence at the AWC Annual Meeting.

The Nominating Committee strongly encourages interested officials to apply and serve with AWC.

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 2025 (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 6.

Learn what it takes to earn your Certificate of Municipal Leadership (CML) or check to see 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.

Applications were due by Monday, April 14

Candidates applying after this deadline will have the option to run for a position from the floor during the AWC Annual Meeting on Thursday, June 26, in Kennewick.

Mark these important dates

• Wednesday, March 27: Q&A session with the CEO and select Board members to learn about serving on the AWC Board of Directors.
• Monday, April 14: Application deadline
• Tuesday, April 29: 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 24: The Nominating Committee meets to interview candidates and compile the final list of nominated candidates. Candidates must be available for an interview in Kennewick on this day.
• Wednesday, June 25: The final candidate list is submitted to voting delegates no less than 24 hours prior to the AWC Annual Meeting on Thursday, June 26.
• Thursday, June 26: AWC Annual Meeting in Kennewick.

Resources

• About AWC
• Cities by board district
• Board of Directors FAQs
• Overview of Board responsibilities

2025 Nominating Committee

AWC President Amy Ockerlander appointed the following members to the 2025 AWC Nominating Committee.

• Mayor Rob Putaansuu (Chair), AWC Past President, Port Orchard
• Mayor Francis Benjamin, Pullman
• Council President Satwinder Kaur, Kent
• Mayor Tara Leininger, Metaline Falls
• Mayor Erin McCardle, Chelan
• Councilmember Erin Murray, Mountlake Terrace
• Mayor Armondo Pavone, Renton
• Mayor Chris Roberts, Shoreline
• Councilmember Julie Schilling, Union Gap
• Deputy Mayor Ed Stern, Poulsbo

Recruitment for the 2025 Nominating Committee was open fall 2024. Appointments were made in January 2025.

Meeting dates

Nominating Committee meetings:

• February 6
• April 29
• June 24

Questions?

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