2025 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 report is given at the February 20 AWC Board of Directors meeting. Elections for odd-numbered Board districts will occur at the AWC Business Meeting on June 26.

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

AWC Ad Hoc Nominating Committee called for applications to the AWC Board of Directors District 5 position

In January 2025, the AWC Board of Directors will have a vacancy in District 5. To ensure the vacancy is filled as soon as reasonably possible, AWC President Amy Ockerlander has called an Ad Hoc Nominating Committee to assist the AWC Board in filling the vacancy.

The Ad Hoc Nominating Committee met January 22 and advanced the below candidate for consideration by the AWC Board of Directors at its February 20 meeting.

View a map or list of cities and towns by AWC board district.

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

Members of the AWC Board are responsible for overseeing 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 required.

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

Eligibility to serve on the AWC Board

To be eligible to serve on the AWC Board of Directors, 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 a vacancy (see position above);
• 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 January 16, 2025.

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 five competency areas. You can track your progress toward your CML or contact AWC staff for more information.

Application deadline was January 16

Please note, the incumbent will serve the completion of the term through the AWC Business Meeting on June 26, 2025. District 5 will be included in the full Nominating Committee process that will open mid-February, with elections to occur on June 26, 2025.

Mark these important dates

• January 16, 2025: Deadline to submit an application
• January 22, 2025, 11:15 am to 1:30 pm (individual times TBD), Online: The AWC Ad Hoc Nominating Committee meets to review applications, conduct interviews, and forward two candidates.
• Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the AWC office in Olympia: Nominees provide remarks to the AWC Board of Directors; the Board makes appointments to the vacant position.

Resources

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

About the Ad Hoc Nominating Committee

To assist the AWC Board of Directors in filling vacancies, the President may call for an Ad Hoc Nominating Committee meeting to compile a list of two qualified candidates for Board consideration. The Ad Hoc Nominating Committee meeting is scheduled prior to the Board's scheduled meeting.

The Ad Hoc Nominating Committee is appointed by the President, and shall consist of three persons who served on the previous Nominating Committee. Members of the Ad Hoc Nominating Committee shall not be eligible to be appointed to a board vacancy during the term in which they serve.

Ad Hoc Nominating Committee meeting date

January 22, TBD, Online

2024 Ad Hoc Nominating Committee

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

• Mayor Rob Putaansuu, Chair, Port Orchard
• Councilmember Ben Wick, Spokane Valley
• Mayor Debbie Sullivan, Tumwater

Appointments were made in December 2024.

Questions?

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