Updated: Jan. 6, 2026

Lead with Integrity. Govern with Vision. Champion Justice.


The WSBA Board of Governors focuses on policy, leadership, strategy, and oversight of the organization. Service on the Board requires vision, leadership, diplomacy, and passion in pursuit of the WSBA's mission to serve the public and the members of the WSBA, to ensure the integrity of the legal profession and to champion justice.

Board of Governors 2026 Elections Now Open

The following positions will be open for applications:

  • District 3, currently held by Governor Allison Widney
  • District 6, currently held by Governor Todd Bloom
  • District 7-North, currently held by Governor Matthew Dresden, who is not eligible to serve another term.
  • District 8, currently held by Governor Kristina Larry

The following positions will be open for applications in February.

  • Governor At-Large, currently held by Governor Tom Ahearne
  • President-elect

Eligibility

In accordance with the WSBA Bylaws, any active member of the Bar, except a person who has previously served as a Governor for more than 48 consecutive months, may be nominated or apply for election as Governor from the congressional district, or geographic regions within the seventh congressional district, in which such a person resides.

Members that have served as Governors for more than 48 consecutive months at time of filing an application, are not eligible to be nominated or apply for election or appointment as Governor from the Congressional District, At-Large position, or geographic regions with the seventh congressional district, in which such person resides, for a period of 36 months after the conclusion of that term of service. Any dispute regarding eligibility of a member to serve on the Board of Governors shall be addressed by the Board of Governors.

Finding Your Congressional District

Using your home address, please use this congressional district finder to confirm your congressional district. You must reside in the district you wish to apply for. 

WSBA divides District 7 into two separate geographic regions designated as North and South and identified by postal zip codes established by the Bar in accordance with WSBA Bylaws and BOG Policy.

District 7 North includes the following zip codes: 98103, 98105, 98107, 98115, 98117, 98125, 98133, 98155, 98177, 98185 and 98195. Eligibility for all congressional district positions is based on home address. 

Interested in serving on the Board of Governors. Here are your next steps:

Step 1: Attend an Information Session

Step 2: Review the Board of Governors Overview

Step 3: Complete and submit your application to barleaders@wsba.org by 5:00pm PST on Tuesday, February 17 (congressional district positions only). Late materials will not be accepted. The application includes the following:

  1. Board of Governors Congressional District Application Form 2026 (required*)
  2. Candidate Statement (200 words max.). Statement will be placed on wsba.org, ballot and email communications to voters.
  3. Board of Governors Congressional District Candidate Profile Form 2026. Profiles will be published on wsba.org. Profile forms may be edits to align with WSBA branding guidelines. 
  4. Photo. Photo should be of good quality and will be posted on wsba.org. The ideal photo size for web publishing is 150px (width) by 200px (height) at 72 dpi. Photo may be cropped to fit sizing requirements.
  5. Letter(s) of Support. Please have letters of support sent to barleaders@wsba.org no later than 5pm February 17. Letters may be sent individually. 

*the application form is required. All other materials are highly recommended but optional.

Step 4: Mark your calendar with the following important dates:

  • February 24 and 25: Candidate Video Recordings. These recordings will be posted on the WSBA YouTube Channel and will provide voters a dynamic way to get to know your. Each candidate will be able to pick a time during these days that works best for them. Recording sessions will take place via Zoom and typically last no more than 30 mins. Prompts will be provided in advance. 
  • March 16 - April 1. Congressional District elections via e-ballot. If a position is uncontested, the single candidate will be declared the winner. For contested elections, the e-ballot will be sent to voters who reside in the corresponding district as of March 1, 2026. 
  • May 1-2. Board of Governors Meeting in Wenatchee. Governors-elect are expected to attend as part of their orientation. In-person and remote participation available. 
  • July 22. New Governor Orientation in Marysville. Attendance is required. 
  • July 23-24. Board of Governors Meeting in Marysville. Governors-elect are expected to attend as part of their orientation. In-person and remote participation available. 
  • July 25. Board of Governors Meeting Planning Retreat. Governors-elect are expected to attend as part of their orientation. In-person and remote participation available. 
  • September 24-25. Board of Governors Meeting in Spokane. Swearing-in ceremony for all new Governors. Governors-elect are expected to attend. In-person and remote participation available.

Other Important Dates:

  • Governor At Large — Candidate Application Deadline no later than 5 p.m. April 15, 2026.
  • Governor At Large Interviews with DEI Council April 22, 2026 (noon-2 p.m.).
  • Governor At Large — Voting is May 15–June 1, 2026.
  • New Governor Orientation — July 22, 2026.

Dates are subject to change.

Accommodations

The WSBA is committed to full access and participation by persons with disabilities. If you have any questions about accessibility or require accommodation, please contact accomodations@wsba.org and visit our Accommodations page for more information.

Questions?

Please contact Paris Eriksen, WSBA Manager of Volunteer Engagement, at parise@wsba.org or barleaders@wsba.org.

The WSBA values diversity and inclusion, and encourages Black, indigenous, and people of color, women, people from the LBGTQ+ communities, people with disabilities, and members of other groups who have been systemically oppressed to apply for our committees, boards, and panels.