Kingston resident Dr. Paulette DeGard, Executive Director of the Industry Cluster Institute in Silverdale, recently announced her candidacy for State Representative in the 23rd District. She will run as a Republican for the seat currently held by Phil Rockefeller (D-Bainbridge Island).

This isn’t her first foray into politics. In 2002, she announced her intention to challenge Tim Botkin for his county commission seat, and then dropped out of the race almost as abruptly as she entered it. Commissioner Patty Lent now holds that seat after defeating Botkin.

DeGard says she’s looking forward to bringing her message of economic development and job creation to the voters, and cites her experience in industry clusters and economic development with giving her a first hand look at some of the difficulties that businesses face each day in Washington State.

DeGard is a 2001 graduate of Leadership Kitsap and has been involved in numerous community projects. She served as general coordinator of the KitsapKids playground and is a member of the Washington Economic Development Association and the Silverdale Noontime Rotary. She was named Rotarian of the Year in 2001.

Previously, DeGard served on the Admiral Theater Foundation Board of Directors, on the Center for Conflict Management Board of Directors, as President of the Seattle/Gdynia Sister City Association, as Fellow for the Advanced Design Institute, and as a member of Women in International Trade.

DeGard holds a doctorate in Entrepreneurial Leadership in International Business and also teaches university classes in entrepreneurship and organizational management.