08 May Duane Davidson
Washington Treasurer 2017-2021
Duane A. Davidson served one term as Washington State Treasurer after being elected four times as Benton County Treasurer. He is a Certified Public Accountant and graduated from Central Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
Prior to his election as County Treasurer in 2003, Davidson was the Chief Financial Accountant for Benton County, and before that worked for the Washington State Auditor’s Office as an Assistant Audit Manager.
Other leadership positions have included: President of the Washington State Association of County Treasurers, past President of Kiwanis Clubs in the Tri-Cities, church treasurer, and a member of Gideon International.
In addition to continuous clean audits as Benton County Treasurer, Davidson:
- Modernized the treasurer’s office by automating the processing of property taxes, and launching a website that allows taxpayers to obtain tax information and make online payments;
- Launched the Benton County Treasurer Investment Pool, a consolidated investment fund for public agencies located within the county, with assets ranging $180 to $220 million;
- Upgraded the county’s bond rating as a member and chairman of the County Finance Committee;
- Strengthened internal controls by issuing a comprehensive cash handling policy and developing a detailed policies and procedures manual; and
- Achieved certifications from the Association of Government Accountants and the Association of Public Treasurers and Finance Officers.
Born and raised in Carnation, Wash., Davidson now lives in Olympia, Wash. His hobbies include genealogy and gardening. He is widowed after 21 years of marriage and has three grown children.