OLYMPIA – The Association of Washington Cities (AWC) announced that Spokane Councilmember Betsy Wilkerson was recently elected AWC vice president. The vice president serves on the association’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee and is in line to become president.

“It is an honor to serve as AWC Vice President and work with other elected officials across the state to build relationships and solve the common challenges we face,” said Vice President Wilkerson. “Every city, large and small, has a unique perspective to offer. I will work to ensure that we continue AWC’s work as a community of cities—united, inclusive of all, and dedicated to helping every Washingtonian reach their full potential.”

AWC held Board elections at the association’s Business Meeting, which took place at AWC’s Annual Conference in Vancouver, Washington, on June 23.

“Councilmember Wilkerson is driven by her commitment to the great city of Spokane. She is also committed to ensuring that cities across Washington state are strong – because we know that strong cities make a great state,” said AWC Chief Executive Officer Deanna Dawson. “I am excited to work with Councilmember Wilkerson and the AWC Board in the coming year.”

Wilkerson has served on the AWC Board since 2021 and the Spokane City Council since 2020, where she is the second African American Councilwoman to serve on the council.

The AWC Board of Directors is the association’s governing body. The board is comprised of 25 directors, 23 of whom are mayors or city councilmembers from Washington cities or towns, and two non-elected city officials who also serve as the president and past president of the Washington City/County Management Association.

AWC serves its members through advocacy, education, and services. Founded in 1933, AWC is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan corporation that represents Washington's cities and towns before the state legislature, the state executive branch, and with regulatory agencies. Membership is voluntary. However, AWC consistently maintains 100 percent participation from Washington’s 281 cities and towns.

AWC also provides training, data and publications, and programs such as the AWC Employee Benefit Trust, AWC Risk Management Service Agency, AWC Workers’ Comp Retro, AWC Drug and Alcohol Consortium, and AWC GIS Consortium.

A complete list of AWC Board of Directors is available on the association’s website.