Press Release: Deputy City Clerk Garners 2026 WMCA Inspiration Award
Published on May 04, 2026
RENTON, WA (MAY 4, 2026) – As we celebrate National City Clerks Week, the City of Renton is pleased to highlight outstanding accomplishments from our dedicated City Clerk team.
This spring, the Washington Municipal Clerks Association (WMCA) announced Melissa McCain, City of Renton Deputy City Clerk, as a co‑recipient of the 2026 WMCA Inspiration Award. This honor recognizes members who have made a significant impact on the association or on fellow WMCA members within the past year.
For the first time in the award’s history, a team was nominated. Kandice Besaw and Melissa McCain serve as co‑chairs of the WMCA Membership Committee, approaching their roles as true partners and working seamlessly to advance the organization’s mission. Their collaborative leadership has revitalized the WMCA Partnership Program, transforming it into a meaningful and successful initiative now entering its second cohort. Recognizing them together reflects the strength of their shared vision, teamwork, and collective impact.
“We are thrilled to recognize Melissa McCain and Kandice Besaw for their leadership and dedication, which have strengthened connections among clerks and made a lasting, positive impact on WMCA,” said Heidi Napolitino, Immediate Past President of WMCA. “Kandice and Melissa exemplify the values and mission of our organization through their spirit of innovation, inspiration, and service.”
“We are fortunate to have staff that serve Renton residents in an exceptional way, and, as a result, make a positive impact within their profession, and serve as inspiration to others throughout the state,” remarked Mayor Armondo Pavone. “Melissa’s work with WMCA and here at the City of Renton shows her leadership, motivation and creativity – she is more than deserving of this recognition.”
The award was presented at the annual WMCA Conference on March 18, 2026, in Kennewick, Washington.
For more information about the WMCA Inspiration Award, please visit the awards page at https://wmcaclerks.wildapricot.org/page-1837384
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About the City of Renton
The City of Renton, Washington, with a population of 109,700 (2025), is located on the southeast shore of Lake Washington, just south of Seattle. Renton's strong economic base, diverse marketplace, and favorable business climate have attracted nationally recognized companies wishing to provide employees and their families with an outstanding quality of life. Renton is the home of Boeing, PACCAR, IKEA, Super Bowl Champion (2014 & 2026) Seattle Seahawks, two-time (2016 & 2019) MLS champion and CONCACAF Champion (2022) Seattle Sounders FC (in 2024), and the eternal resting place of rock icon Jimi Hendrix. You can find more information on our website, news releases, Facebook, Instagram, X, and Nextdoor pages.
About WMCA
Founded in 1969, the Washington Municipal Clerks Association is a non-profit membership association. The purpose of our association is to promote professional and educational standards
for Municipal Clerks in local governments throughout the State of Washington; to provide improved local governmental services in the State; and to support the Constitution of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. WMCA champions professional growth and education by providing training opportunities, shared resources, and networking experiences.