League of Women Voters elects new officers, honors ‘legends’

The Snohomish County chapter of the League of Women Voters (LWVSC) conducted its annual meeting Saturday, May 16. More than 50 members and guests attended the meeting and celebration.

Outgoing LWVSC President Lisa Utter passed the gavel to incoming LWVSC President Brenda Mann Harrison, and League members elected Linda Wills as president-elect.

Vonita Francisco was elected as second vice president; Meredith Gould was elected treasurer; and Carolyn Miller, Janice Green and Erin Kester were elected as directors. Cathy Liu Scott, Judy Faast and Nadine Shanti were elected to the nominating committee.

Ruth Brandon and Susan Renhard were recognized as Legends of the League. This annual award honors current or past Snohomish County League members for “long, significant and influential service” to the League and community.

Brandon, a long-time member and former League secretary, has consistently been “the voice of the voiceless” in her pursuit of social justice. She spent a lifetime of service as a pastor in the U.S. and in Africa. Utter noted that Brandon “still finds ways to stay connected while trying her hand at being ‘retired.’”

Former long-time League board member Renhard has been instrumental in the League’s support of Cocoon House, a local organization that serves youth experiencing homelessness and their families. Utter pointed out that by connecting the League with the American Association of University Women, Renhard has made “the network of women’s and voting rights organizations stronger and more durable.”

The annual meeting included a review of 2025-26 accomplishments, noting that the Snohomish County League is the third largest in Washington. In December, the League received the Everett Mayor Civic Engagement Award for longstanding commitment to civic health and community learning. Details about the League’s impact will be available in the LWVSC annual report published in September.

Advocacy efforts in the coming year will focus on empowering voters, raising awareness about voter suppression efforts, defending democracy and responsible forest management, and furthering a multi-year effort to pass a constitutional amendment to change the redistricting process in Washington.

The League of Women Voters was founded in 1920, the same year women won the vote. For over 100 years, the organization has been a nonpartisan, activist, grassroots organization that believes voters should play an active role in democracy.

More information on the League’s initiatives and membership can be found at lwvsnoho.org.