OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Association of Washington Cities (AWC) is pleased to announce that Emily Schuh will join the association as its new Director of Member Pooling Programs, with her first day scheduled for February 2.
Schuh has 26 years of municipal leadership experience with the City of Anacortes, where she most recently served as Administrative Services Director. During her tenure, she worked closely with elected officials and city leadership on human resources, labor relations, employee benefits, and risk management.
She has been actively engaged with AWC programs for more than two decades, including as Chair of the Employee Benefits Advisory Committee and as a member of the AWC Employee Benefit Trust Board of Trustees.
“Emily is recognized for her strategic, collaborative leadership, strong work ethic, and deep understanding of the fiscal challenges facing cities,” said AWC CEO Deanna Dawson. “Her track record includes building strong partnerships and helping cities strengthen compliance, risk management, employee safety, and overall organizational performance. We are thrilled to welcome her to our team.”
“Pooling works best when members understand how their practices affect shared outcomes,” said Schuh. “I’m excited to bring that perspective into my new role and build on AWC’s strong foundation to continue strengthening these programs for the benefit of all members.”
Pullman Mayor Francis Benjamin, who is also the vice chair of the AWC Trust Board of Trustees, praised the announcement. “Emily will be a welcome asset to the AWC team,” said Benjamin. “She brings strong leadership skills and the vision necessary to guide these important programs into the future, while remaining attentive to the needs of the communities, families, and individuals we serve.”
Jennifer Gorsuch, Administrative Services Director for the City of Camas, who has served on the Employee Benefits Advisory Committee with Schuh since 2008 also applauded the hiring. “I’ve seen firsthand the passion that Emily brings to delivering best-in-class services and products,” said Gorsuch. “Her integrity, expertise, leadership, and commitment to the power of pooling will continue to build on the strength of AWC’s member services.”
AWC Board Member and Anacortes Councilmember TJ Fantini joined in endorsing Schuh. “Emily’s leadership has made a significant and lasting impact on Anacortes,” said Fantini. “While she will be deeply missed in Anacortes, I look forward to her continued success as she leads these critical services that positively impact communities all across our state.”
AWC’s Director of Member Pooling Programs oversees AWC’s major pooling programs—the Employee Benefit Trust, Risk Management Service Agency (RMSA), Workers’ Compensation Retro Program (Retro), and the Drug & Alcohol Consortium.
AWC’s Member Pooling Programs allow municipalities to combine their resources to keep costs lower and more predictable while providing specialized expertise and services to manage health benefits, liability risks, workplace safety, and regulatory compliance.