Washington Collaborative Elected Leaders Institute – Past cohorts

What are people saying about WA-CELI?

I was blown away by the depth and quality of the training.

Having the opportunity to interact with peers from around the state was incredible and the uniting goal of better collaboration and communication with each other and our constituents immediately bonded the group.

The experience was truly a gift I am grateful for!

– Mayor Dana Ralph, Kent

I was originally hesitant to sign up. It was going to take a large amount of time that I was worried about adding to my work schedule, but I am so glad I did! I now have a stronger understanding about many of the elements and pitfalls of engaging our communities in public dialog on current issues.

I thrived on the opportunity to be with 50 other elected leaders to have a safe and engaging space for all of us to talk openly about our jobs … the good and the bad aspects and what we care about! I found out how much we share in our work we are all doing. I feel much less alone in my elected job now.

– Councilmember Monica MickHager, Port Townsend

The WA-CELI program has proven to be the most impactful thing for my personal growth that I’ve done on Council.

I feel like a lot of the regional work we do provides the opportunity to connect with fellow elected officials, but the WA-CELI training was so intentional and so well-designed that I actually do feel comfortable reaching out to councilmembers from cities across the state.

I cannot speak highly enough of the experience, and I’m so grateful to have gotten the opportunity to participate (and continue to participate through the ongoing Community of Practice online sessions).

– Councilmember Sid Gupta, Sammamish

Enrich your critical thinking skills. Enroll in WA-CELI, it will help you eat that elephant, one bite at a time!

– Councilmember Jeff Sproul, Orting

WA-CELI completely changed the trajectory of my future in public service, and I am forever grateful to everyone involved in its creation. It’s so much more than anything you may be thinking it is.

Yes. There is a time commitment. It’s worth it. Yes. There is some travel. It’s so worth it.

The tools, friendships, and countless other things I gained are priceless. A second cohort means there will be even more elected officials around the state working from the same playbook. Thank you AWC, The Evans School, Ruckelshaus, our awesome facilitators and the best inaugural cohort ever. This is truly how you change the world.

– Mayor Ashley Mathews, Bainbridge Island

The opportunity to build relationships with other elected leaders was something I will continue to value. Everything we do as elected leaders to actually accomplish anything is based on these relationships and working together toward a common goal.

– Mayor Terry Carter, Bonney Lake

My experience far outweighed my expectations! I believe I’m a better leader for being in the cohort, and I utilize the skills I learned daily. Get involved, your future self will thank you!

The WA-CELI training team is amazing! They are competent, capable, compassionate, and they truly listen as they lead the cohort through each session. They share their personal stories to help bring each section of the trainings to life. I felt valued and understood as I shared challenges that our community was facing.

I encourage you to be a part of the upcoming cohort – you’ll be glad you are!

– Mayor Nancy Backus, Auburn

This experience provided connection with other elected leaders from around the state working to address the most challenging issues we face. I gained valuable skills in working more effectively with my council members and community.

– Councilmember Linda Akey, Burien

WA-CELI was an amazing experience that helped me see the shared energy, passion, and commitment that exists across the state of Washington.

WA-CELI allowed us all to be human—not politicians. This experience leveled the playing field amongst mayors and council members in a gloriously non-partisan fashion which generated cohesion instead of division.

I found tremendous value in the WA-CELI leadership team’s ability to ensure connections amongst the cohort. WA-CELI encouraged me to increase engagement on hyper local issues, while at the same time—expanding my connections and engagement within the region and state. I highly recommend the WA-CELI experience for elected officials both new and seasoned.

The WA-CELI experience has had a profound impact on how I approach the work I do on behalf of my city, and I hope the next cohort is full of amazing leaders who are committed to the tradition of positive public service.

I highly recommend the WA-CELI experience for elected officials both new and seasoned.

– Councilmember Annie Kurtz, Liberty Lake

If you are even thinking about attending WA-CELI; just do it. It will be one of the best decisions you make as an elected official.

– Mayor Roger Bell, Selah

2024 WA-CELI inaugural cohort

(Note: Titles listed below reflect the role each city official was serving in when they participated in the program.)

Team 1: Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, Kent Mayor Dana Ralph, Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone

Team 2: Arlington Mayor Don Vanney, Arlington Councilmember Michele Blythe, Arlington Councilmember Leisha Nobach, Darrington Mayor Dan Rankin

Team 3: East Wenatchee Mayor Jerrilea Crawford, Wenatchee Councilmember Chelsea Ewer

Team 4: Port Townsend Deputy Mayor Amy Howard, Port Townsend Councilmember Monica MickHager, Port Townsend Councilmember Owen Rowe

Team 5: Pullman Mayor Francis Benjamin, Pullman Councilmember Trymaine Gaither, Pullman Councilmember Ann Parks

Team 6: Grandview Mayor Ashley Lara, Selah Mayor Roger Bell, Selah Councilmember Michael Costello, Union Gap Councilmember Julie Schilling

Team 7: Bonney Lake Mayor Terry Carter, Bonney Lake Councilmember Gwendolyn Fullerton, Orting Mayor Josh Penner, Orting Councilmember Jeff Sproul

Team 8: Bainbridge Island Councilmembers Kirsten Hytopoulos, Ashley Mathews, and Leslie Schneider

Team 9: Cashmere Mayor James Fletcher, Chelan Mayor Erin McCardle, Entiat Mayor Renee Swearingen

Team 10: Duvall Mayor Pro Tempore Amy McHenry, Duvall Councilmember Ronn Mercer

Team 11: Port Angeles Councilmember Drew Schwab, Sequim Councilmember Harmony Rutter

Team 12: Sammamish Councilmembers Roisin O'Farrell, Pam Stuart, and Sid Gupta

Team 13: Tacoma Deputy Mayor John Hines, Tacoma Councilmember Sarah Rumbaugh

Team 14: Liberty Lake Mayor Cris Kaminskas, Liberty Lake Councilmember Annie Kurtz, Medical Lake Mayor Terri Cooper, Airway Heights Councilmember Jennifer Morton

Team 15: Burien Councilmembers Sarah Moore, Alex Andrade, and Linda Akey