Board of Governors
President-elect
The WSBA Board of Governors is the governing body of the Washington State Bar Association. The Board of Governors focuses on policy, leadership, strategy, and oversight of the organization. Governors and Officers of the Board of Governors exhibit a commitment to service, vision, leadership, diplomacy, and dedication to the mission to serve the public and the members of the WSBA, to ensure the integrity of the legal profession and to champion justice.
Important: Learn more about serving on the WSBA Board of Governors.
About the Open Position
The WSBA seeks applicants for the position of president-elect. The WSBA Bylaws state that the president-elect performs the duties of the president at the request of the president, or in the absence, inability, recusal, or refusal of the president to perform those duties. The president-elect also performs such other duties as may be assigned by the president or the Board of Governors. The president-elect is not a voting member of the Board of Governors except when acting in the president’s place at a meeting of the Board of Governors and then only if the vote will affect the result.
The officers of the Bar consist of a president, president-elect, Immediate past president, and treasurer. The executive director of the Bar serves as secretary in an ex-officio capacity. Except for the executive director, all officers must be Active lawyer members of the Bar.
Eligibility
In accordance with the WSBA Bylaws, an active lawyer member of the Washington State Bar Association can apply to serve as President-elect.
Term
The term is three years. Service as president-elect is September 2026–September 2027. Service as president is September 2027–September 2028 and service as immediate past president is September 2028–September 2029.
The president-elect is elected by the Board of Governors. The president-elect succeeds the president unless removed from office pursuant to the WSBA Bylaws.
The president-elect and Treasurer take office at the close of the final regularly scheduled Board of Governors meeting of the fiscal year in which they were elected to those positions.
Election Process
Application materials are due by 5 p.m. PST on Tuesday, April 7. Late applications will not be accepted. The application materials will be included in the Board of Governors meeting materials and published online. Please do not include personal information and personal contact details in your materials. Contact information that does not match the information included on the WSBA Legal Directory will be redacted.
- President-elect Application Form*
- Statement of Interest
- Resume
- Letters of Support (may be submitted individually)
*The application form is required. The other materials are recommended, but not required.
Interview Process
The Board of Governors will interview candidates and vote. The interview and vote (via secret ballot) will take place at the May 1–2, 2026 Board meeting. The meeting is held both in-person at the Wenatchee Convention Center and online via Zoom. More information will be provided to all candidates prior to this meeting.
Other Important Dates
- 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.
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.
