EVERETT — Everett City Councilman Shannon Affholter has decided to step down so he can take a job leading the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties.
Affholter, who has served on the city council since 2007, plans to become executive director of the powerful builders group Nov. 5.
He is expected to formally announce his resignation from the city council Oct. 9. The council will decide by majority vote how best to fill the vacancy.
Affholter currently works as vice president of business and economic development for Economic Alliance Snohomish County.
In a press release, he said he is honored to be picked for the job.
“I am excited to get to work advancing the (Master Builders’) mission of promoting affordable housing in the region,” Affholter said.
The Master Builders Association represents the housing industry around Puget Sound and has a high profile in lobbying for pro-growth policies. It is also a political powerhouse, with its members known for being among the biggest contributors in local election campaigns.
Affholter was selected from among 300 candidates who applied for the job. The hiring process took five months and was nationwide, according to the builders group.
Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson said Affholter’s departure from the council will be “a big loss for the city.”
“I’ve always appreciated Shannon’s business insight and his commitment to Everett’s economic vitality,” he said. “The council has benefitted from his cooperative attitude and his ability to look at all sides of an issue. He will definitely be missed.”
Affholter serves as the council’s vice president. He serves on council committees that address issues regarding city administration, legal matters, overseeing pensions for police and firefighters, and economic development.
A strong understanding of the local economy figured large in the decision to hire Affholter, Master Builders President Brian Ross of Yarrow Bay Holdings said.
“He has also demonstrated his ability to advocate successfully on behalf of business issues and build alliances in the region, all of which will be valuable assets” for the Master Builders, he added.
Affholter, 45, recently completed an MBA from Western Washington University. He serves on the board of directors for United Way of Snohomish County and Junior Achievement of Snohomish County. He is married with two children.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
