Personal:
- Native Washingtonian and resident of Thurston County for 39 years
- Married to Donna
- Lives in rural suburbs of Olympia with Sophie (Maltese) and Molly (Yorkshire Terrier)
- Enjoys golfing, fishing and traveling
Education:
- Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration, University of Washington
- Masters of Business Administration, Pacific Lutheran University
Employment:
Gary currently is serving his eleventh year as Deputy Auditor for Finance for Thurston County. Prior employment includes 25 years as a budget and program manager with Washington State government and 10 years as an industrial engineer and chief financial officer in private industry.
Legislative and Leadership Assignments:
- State Representative from 20th District (Portions of Thurston County and Lewis County)
Elected in 1996 and serving his eighth term in the Washington State House of Representatives. Serves as Ranking Republican of the House Ways and Means (Operating Budget) Committee, and on the State Government and Tribal Affairs Committee. Also serves on the Executive Board of the Joint Legislative and Audit Review Committee (JLARC), the Pension Funding Council, the Caseload Forecasting Council, the Expenditure Limit Committee, the Gambling Commission, Regulatory Reform Task Force, and on the Legislative Employment Committee.
Community Involvement:
- Commissioner, Port of Olympia (1993 to 1996)
- Board of Directors, Washington State Historical Society (2006 to Present)
- Board of Directors for Thurston County Boys and Girls Club (2001 to Present)
- Executive Advisory Board, Pacific Lutheran University Business School (2008 to Present)
- Executive Advisory Board, Washington Small Business Development Council (2008 to Present)
- Board Member for Thurston County Economic Development Council (1993 to 1997)
- Board of Directors for Washington State Employees Credit Union (1982 to 1991)
- Staff Coordinator for Governor’s Small Business Improvement Council (1986 to 1988)
- Part-time instructor of public finance and marketing at South Puget Sound Community College and University of Puget Sound (1981 to 1989)
- Member of North Thurston Kiwanis (1975 to Present)
