By Pepper Fisher

SEQUIM — Sequim Interim City Manager Charisse Deschenes has been recognized with the Outstanding Assistant Award by the Washington City/County Management Association (WCMA) for her role as Assistant City Manager.

Deschenes will be presented the award at the WCMA annual conference on Thursday, August 12 in the category of populations under 10,000.

The award recognizes outstanding achievement and exemplary work by a local government professional who provides valued assistance, in this case to former City Manager Charlie Bush, who has made significant contributions toward excellence in leadership.

Deschenes became City of Sequim 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 and launching the City’s Performance Management Program.

She has served as Interim City Manager since February after Bush was forced to resign by a slim majority of city councilors who objected to the permitting of a Medically-Assisted Treatment Center, now under construction.

A nationwide search to replace her is currently under way.

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 in Parks and Resource Management and a Master’s in Business Administration.