OLYMPIA — Mayor Nancy Backus of Auburn has been reelected to the board of directors of the Association of Washington Cities (AWC). The election was conducted by city leaders from across Washington state during AWC’s annual conference in Kennewick, Washington, held from June 24-27, 2025.
“I’m honored to continue representing south King County cities on the AWC Board of Directors, said Backus. “AWC is a vital advocate for communities like ours, ensuring our unique needs are heard and addressed. I look forward to continuing this important work on behalf of my neighbors and fellow city leaders.”
AWC CEO Deanna Dawson welcomed Mayor Backus’ reelection to the AWC Board of Directors. “Mayor Backus’ thoughtful leadership and deep commitment to public service are a tremendous asset as we work together to strengthen Washington’s 281 cities and towns,” said Dawson.
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 representing the Washington City/County Management Association.
Backus was elected to her first term as mayor in 2014 and is the first woman to hold the office in Auburn since it was incorporated in 1891. Prior to taking office, she served ten years as an Auburn city councilmember and spent 25 years as a financial manager for the Boeing Company. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and is a proud wife and mother.
A strong believer in service to community and bettering the lives of women and girls, Backus earned the Soroptimist International of Auburn Women Helping Women Award in 2002, the Miss Auburn Scholarship Program's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013, the Leadership Institute of South Puget Sound Distinguished Alumni Award in 2012, the Boeing Career Foundation Program Manager of the Year Award in 2011, the Dale Carnegie Human Principles in Action Award in 2007, the Business and Professional Women's Woman of Achievement Award in 2014, the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce Bill Kyle Award in 2018, the Daughters of the American Revolution Women in American History Award in 2024, and the Miss Auburn Pageant Hero Award in 2024. She is also the recipient of the American Medical Association’s Dr. Nathan Davis Award for Outstanding Government Service.
More than 500 officials representing 162 cities and towns across Washington attended the AWC Annual Conference to learn about issues critical to the success of cities. Attendees participated in over 45 educational sessions on topics ranging from legal roles and responsibilities to budgeting, infrastructure planning, collaborative leadership, our state’s economic outlook, emerging technologies and more.
Founded in 1933, Association of Washington Cities (AWC) is a nonprofit corporation that represents Washington’s 281 cities and towns. AWC’s mission is to build connections between Washington state’s diverse cities and towns, while providing their members with the support needed to thrive through delivery of data-driven education, nationally recognized pooling programs, and nonpartisan advocacy. Membership is voluntary; however, AWC consistently maintains 100% participation from Washington’s 281 cities and towns.
A complete list of AWC Board of Directors is available on the association’s website.