Herrera Beutler opens field office, names staff

It’s a fresh start in a familiar site for Southwest Washington’s new congresswoman.

Rep.-elect Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Camas, announced Monday she will open a district office at the O.O. Howard House in the Vancouver Barracks, the same location used by her predecessor, Brian Baird.

She also named her district director and deputy director, who both have local roots.

Herrera Beutler’s office will open Thursday at 8 a.m. and will keep regular hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The address is 750 Anderson St., Suite B, Vancouver, WA 98661.

Ryan Hart, most recently Clark County GOP chairman, will be district director.

Born in Vancouver, Hart earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Washington State University and a master’s degree in organizational development and training from Oregon State University. He has 15 years’ business experience as instructional designer and training manager, and will serve as Rotary Club of Vancouver Metro Sunset president in 2012.

Shari Hildreth, a longtime Washougal resident, will serve as deputy district director.

Hildreth served 12 years in the same capacity for former U.S. Sen. Slade Gorton, also a Republican. She has served as precinct committee officer for the Clark County GOP and has business experience as office manager for Green Construction Inc.

“I’m extremely fortunate to have two Southwest Washington residents like Ryan and Shari on my district staff. Both have the knowledge of and passion for our region that will allow them to hit the ground running,” Herrera Beutler said in a news release.

She is due to be sworn into office in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.