On February 5, the Oregon Senate unanimously elected Obie Rutledge to the position of Secretary of the Senate. Rutledge was appointed to the position of acting Secretary earlier this year after a bipartisan candidate interview and review process. His nomination Monday was introduced by Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp and supported by Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber.
“I’ve known Obie Rutledge for 23 years. He has dedicated his career to serving legislators and the state of Oregon,” said Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend). “He is a leader, he is hard working, and he is fair. He brings vast experience, vision, and integrity to his new role as Secretary of the Senate.”
“Mr. Rutledge has demonstrated a deep respect and appreciation for the history and traditions of this body and consistent professionalism and objectivity in advising legislators about rules and procedure,” said Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber (D-Beaverton). “I want to thank Mr. Rutledge for his ongoing commitment to serving the people of Oregon. It was my honor to co-nominate him to serve as Secretary of the Oregon Senate.”
Rutledge has supported the Oregon Legislative Assembly for more than two decades, including as Deputy Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives from 2016 to January 2024. He is in the midst of serving a 10-year term on the 2030 Mason’s Manual Commission and has been an active member of the American Society of Legislative Clerk and Secretaries.
“Obie is going to do a fantastic job as Secretary of the Senate and leading the Secretary of the Senate staff. He is a consummate professional with years of experience, and I’m excited to have him in the Senate,” said Senate President Rob Wagner (D-Lake Oswego). “We as senators could not do our work without the support of the entire Secretary of the Senate team.”
The interview and candidate review process for Secretary of the Senate was conducted by Senate President Rob Wagner, Senate President Pro Tempore James Manning Jr., Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber, Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp and Senator Bill Hansell.
The Secretary of the Senate staff for the 2024 legislative session will be:
- Obie Rutledge, Secretary of the Senate
- Britton Taylor, Deputy Secretary of the Senate
- James Goulding, Publications Coordinator
- Bonnie Allen, Reading Clerk
- McKenzie Barker, Measure Liaison
- Wendy Cortes, Assistant to the Secretary
- Kristina Wallsten, Sergeant at Arms
