Representative Ed Orcutt

Biography

Ed Orcutt was appointed to the Washington House of Representatives in 2002. From 2002-2013 he represented the 18th District. Due to redistricting Ed now represents the 20th District, and is currently serving his seventh full term.

Focused on creating new economic opportunities, Ed is a strong voice for a less costly and more accountable state government. He is leading the drive to improve transportation policy, protect taxpayers, and encourage the growth of small business.  Ed is the ranking member on the Transportation Committee, assistant ranking on Finance and a member of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.

Ed received an associate degree in science from the University of Maine in 1984, then went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Forest Management from the University of Idaho in 1987. He has made a living as a forestry consultant since 1990. In 2009 he became the owner of his own consulting company. An advocate for protecting our natural resource industries and quality of life, his experience as a business owner in the private sector – paying taxes and dealing with government red tape – prepared him well to help reform the public sector.

Ed is an active community volunteer, and past president and member of his local area Lions club. He served as chairman of the Highlander Festival, as a member of the Columbia Theatre Board, and as a youth bowling coach.

Ed and his wife, Marcie, have been married since 1996 and make their home in Kalama, Washington.

EDUCATION:
Mt. Blue High School, diploma and a certificate of completion in forestry, 1981
University of Maine, A.S. in Forest Management, 1984
University of Idaho, B.S in Forest Management, 1987

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Cascade Forest Management – Owner/Consulting forester, 2009 to present
Niemi Forestry – Consulting forester, 1990 to 2009
Northwest Management – Timber inventory, 1989-90
Idaho Department of Lands – resource aide, fire fighter and timber management – 1985-89

LEGISLATIVE ASSIGNMENTS:
Western Legislative Forestry Task Force
Natural Resources Committee, National Conference of State Legislatures
Joint Legislative Audit & Review Committee
Joint Transportation Committee

LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES:
Tax relief
Economic development/job creation
Protect natural resource management and jobs
Protect property rights
Public safety
Second Amendment rights

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:
Society of American Foresters, 1983 to 2009
Washington Farm Forestry Association, 1993 to present
Association of Consulting Foresters, 2003 to present

COMMUNITY SERVICE:
Board of Directors, Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2002-08
Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Career Development Consortium, 2006-present
Kelso Highlander Festival chairman, 1997-2000; Parade chairman, 1991-2002
Youth Bowling Coach, 1991-2004
Young Republicans of Cowlitz County, charter member, 1992-2004
Washington Young Republican Federation, 1983-2001; Man of the Year, 2000
Latah County Parks Board, 1988-90
Lions Club member since 1988; President of Kelso Lions Club, 1993-94
Volunteer statistician, Deary High School, 1987-90