Charisse Deschenes, interim city manager for the City of Sequim, will be recognized with the Outstanding Assistant Award for populations under 10,000 by the Washington City/County Management Association (WCMA) for her role as assistant city manager at the WCMA annual conference on Aug. 12.

“The award recognizes outstanding achievement and exemplary work by a local government professional who provides valued assistance to a chief local government administrator/manager and who has made significant contributions toward excellence in leadership,” WCMA Executive Director Tracy Burrows said.

Deschenes became City of Sequim’s assistant city manager in 2018 following her roles as assistant to the city manager and senior planner. She was acknowledged for her participation in the city’s facilitation team, Sequim Service Fest, legislative advocacy, regional childcare, management of housing funding, COVID-19 Emergency Coordination Center support, LEAN program support, launching the city’s Performance Management Program, and supporting fellows and interns.

She has served as interim city manager since February 2021.

Deschenes is a graduate of the Northwest Women’s Leadership Academy, Leadership ICMA, and the Senior Executive Institute, and serves on the NextERA Advisory Group with the Alliance for Innovation. She has a bachelor of science degree in parks and resource management and a master’s degree in business administration.