Deanna Dawson

Deanna Dawson has served as the Chief Executive Director of the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) since June of 2022. Dawson has more than 20 years' experience serving local governments, building coalitions, and bringing stakeholders together around a shared vision. She holds a law degree from the University of Washington School of Law and has practiced law in both the private and public sectors. Dawson was elected to the Edmonds City Council in 2001 and reelected in 2005. Prior to her role at AWC, she served as Executive Director of the Sound Cities Association, where she worked on behalf of 38 King County cities. Additionally, she has served as Snohomish County executive director and a director of diversity initiatives. Born and raised in eastern Washington, she has deep roots throughout Washington state.