About Cherish
Meet Cherish DesRochers
Cherish DesRochers has served the people of Battle Ground since 2016, when she was first appointed to the City Council. She was later elected by the community in 2017 and re-elected in 2021, and today continues to serve in Position No. 6. During her tenure, Cherish was also selected by her peers to serve as Deputy Mayor, where she took on added responsibilities in guiding policy decisions, working closely with city staff, and representing Battle Ground in regional discussions.
Cherish’s roots in public service run deep. She founded Food with Friends, a nonprofit dedicated to helping those experiencing homelessness by providing meals, outreach, and advocacy. She also co-created the Shower Outreach Project, bringing dignity and essential resources to those most in need. Her work reflects her focus on addressing real problems with practical solutions that strengthen the community.
On City Council, Cherish has concentrated on fiscal responsibility, public safety, and preserving the community’s character—helping fully fund the police department, reduce city debt, improve roads, and launch programs like the Utility Rate Reduction for Low-Income Seniors. She is committed to protecting the qualities that make Battle Ground a great place to live, while ensuring the city grows in a way that reflects the values of its residents.
A resident of Battle Ground since 1990, Cherish brings both experience and accountability to her role. She remains focused on ensuring the city’s policies reflect the priorities of the people who live here.
Experience
Civic
- Elected Experience Battle Ground City Council July 2016-Current
- Deputy Mayor 2022-2024
- Chair of The Law Enforcement Officer/Firefighter (LEOFF 1) Disability Board
- City of Battle Ground Housing Action Plan Advisory Committee
- Member of City of Battle Ground Budget Committee
- Member of Ethics Committee
- City Representative for Lodging Tax Advisory Committee - LTAC Board
- Past Member of the Urban County Policy Board. Served as Vice Chair in 2019
- Past Member ECHO - Ending Community Homelessness Organization
Professional
- C-TRAN Customer Service Representative 2010-Current
Education
- Battle Ground High School
- AWC - Association of Washington Cities Certificate of Municipal Leadership
- AWC - Association of Washington Cities Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership
- CERT - Community Emergency Response Team
Community Service
- City of Battle Ground Planning Commission May 2015-July 2016
- Founder/President of nonprofit Food with Friends (The Shower Outreach Project)
- Trustee Battle Ground Education Foundation
- Recipient of VBJ Accomplished and under 40 class of 2020
"I enthusiastically endorse Cherish DesRochers-Vafeados for Battle Ground City Council. I met Cherish in our work on the Battle Ground Education Foundation. Cherish cares deeply about our community and does the work to prove it. As an incumbent Council Member she has worked diligently on behalf of the city of Battle Ground, and has earned another term. I encourage people to get to know Cherish, and to vote for her in the upcoming election."
