Get to Know the WCAA President!

Get to Know the WCAA President!

We reached out to the President of the Washington Counties Administration Association (WCAA), Matt Rasmussen, Benton County Deputy County Administrator, to learn more about the affiliate group, what it does, and why it's important.

Question: Please introduce yourself. What's your county employment journey, your education, and hobbies or interests?

Answer: I began my county journey as the County Engineer for Franklin County where I served for two years. I came to Benton County in 2014 as the Assistant County Engineer and have been the County Engineer, Public Works Director and most recently Deputy County Administrator for the past six years.

I was raised in a small rural community in southern California and moved to Washington in 2006 after graduating from Cal Poly Pomona with a degree in Civil Engineering. I've since become licensed as both a Professional Engineer and a Professional Land Surveyor.

My hobbies include anything working with metal. I build useful items, art projects and custom cars. Most of my weekends are spent in the workshop creating something.

Question: Why did you get involved in the group? What do you see as the value the group offers?

Answer: I heard about the value of the County Administrators Association from my predecessor at the county. It was the one conference he attended each year and always spoke highly of the group. When I attended my first conference, I immediately saw the value. The other members offer so many insights into problems we face every day as county leaders. It's so great to be able to make a call or send an email to someone who sits in the same chair as you do and has probably run into the same problem you're facing.

Question: Why did you choose to engage in a leadership role within this group? What has been your favorite part so far?

Answer: When I attended my first spring conference I immediately felt welcomed. There was no one looking at me differently because I was the new guy. The level of engagement and professionalism of the members is what made me raise my hand to be secretary/treasurer and I moved up from there.

Question: Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Answer: WSAC and the affiliate groups are such a huge part of why I like working in county government. I encourage everyone to get involved at whatever level they can. It's very rewarding.