The Association of Washington Cities (AWC) appoints and nominates elected officials and senior staff to represent the interests of cities and towns on about 40 state boards and commissions. Serving on a board or commission is a great opportunity to get involved at the state level and help shape policies and programs that affect cities and towns.
AWC recruits for these positions throughout the year as vacancies or reappointments occur. Many positions have specific requirements for the official’s city or town – like geographic location or city size. Other positions may require an elected official have certain experience or serve on a similar local board or committee. Within the specific criteria of each position, AWC welcomes applications from officials who reflect our state’s diverse cities and towns, elected officials, and senior staff.
Action taken by the AWC Board of Directors at its June 18, 2024 meeting
The AWC Board of Directors took action on the following nominations and appointments at its June 18, 2024 meeting.
Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board (FIMSB): The AWC Board of Directors nominated Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle, Vancouver, for reappointment to an additional term.
Public Works Board: The AWC Board of Directors nominated three candidates to the Governor’s Office for consideration of appointment, one of whom will be appointed to the vacant position.
- Josh Diekmann, Transportation Division Manager/City Traffic Engineer, Tacoma
- Nova Heaton, Public Works Director, Snohomish
- Mark Rigos, Deputy City Administrator/Public Works Director, North Bend
Board of Health: The Board of Directors nominated two elected officials, one of whom will be appointed by the Governor.
- Councilmember Nathaniel Pierce, Clarkston
- Mayor Pro Tem Heather Koellen, North Bend (nominated 2023)
Select Committee on Pension Policy: The AWC Board of Directors nominated two candidates to the Governor’s Office for consideration of appointment, one of whom will be appointed to the position.
- Scott Larson, City Administrator, Orting
- Dan Legard, Finance Director, Kennewick
Shorelines Hearings Board: The AWC Board of Directors appoints directly to this board, and appointed Elizabeth Chamberlain, City Manager, Walla Walla to serve. Recruitment will open soon for an elected official to serve on this board as well.
Transportation Improvement Board: The AWC Board of Directors nominated two candidates to the Secretary of Transportation for consideration of appointment, one of whom will be appointed to the vacant position.
- Susan McLaughlin, Planning and Development Director, Edmonds
- Preston Fredrickson, Development Services Director, Walla Walla
Enhanced 911 Committee: The AWC Board of Directors nominated three candidates to the Director of the Military Department, one nominee for each of the three vacant positions.
- Western primary: Jacob Adams, 911 Business Operations Manager, Seattle
- Eastern primary: Councilmember Julie Schilling, Union Gap
- Eastern alternate: Councilmember Leo Perales, Pasco
Get involved! Process for applying to serve on boards and commissions
If you are interested in applying to serve on a state board or commission, AWC typically opens a call for applications two to three times a year. Watch for announcements on this website and through our weekly CityVoice newsletter. After the application window closes, and provided there are enough qualified applicants, the AWC Board of Directors takes action to nominate or appoint applicants.