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IFRW Executive Board

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Theresa Bradford
President 

In addition to her role as secretary for Canyon CRW, Theresa participates in numerous committee activities, including candidate forums, fundraising events, and membership drives, lit drops and door knocking. Theresa's contributions to the IFRW have not gone unnoticed. She has been elected to numerous leadership positions, including IFRW 1st Vice President for the 2022-2024 term, 2018-2022 CD 1 Director, and interim secretary. She has also been appointed by two governors to serve on several state boards, including the Idaho Driving Businesses Licensing Board and the Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists Board. One of Theresa's favorite club projects was creating the CCRW Volunteer Rock Star Award, recognizing the work of her club’s members who advance republican values and participate in supporting those values in their community. Additionally, she created the first CCRW and 2023 Fall IFRW pamphlet style newsletters, a fun skill she learned in school. Theresa's service was recognized by her club as its 2020 CCRW Woman of the Year at the IFRW Tribute to Women She was surprised and honored again when the Canyon County Central Committee named her 2021 Outstanding Volunteer Republican Hall of Fame inductee. Theresa's passion for promoting the IFRW is evident in everything she does. As VP of Programs for the IFRW, she created a first-ever onscreen program for board meetings, utilizing innovative technologies to provide a more immersive and engaging experience, and upgraded the website to a new hosting service which allows for viewing and downloading critical documents, register for board meetings, participate in online auctions, and much more. And also makes it possible for future Boards to easily update the site. At age 32, Theresa fulfilled a dream when she went back to school to earn an AS degree in Computer Business Applications and Business Administration from a local community college where she was astonished to learn she had become a member of the Dean's List. Throughout her life Theresa has been many things; a cosmetologist, cattle rancher, a certified welder, a heavy equipment operator, a factory worker, a business owner, but most importantly, a wife and mom. Theresa has been dedicated to her husband Gunner for 42 years, their three kids, and five grandkids. And just to prove that life will take one places one never expected to go, she can now add to that list, President of the Idaho Federation of Republican Women!

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Charlene Matheson 
1st Vice President

Charlene Matheson has a rich history of service in the IFRW. As the President from 2016-17, Charlene's leadership led to significant growth in membership and engagement statewide, fostering inclusivity and teamwork within the organization. Charlene inspired members to participate in the organization's programs and events. Preceding her presidency, while serving as the Leadership Development Chair, 2014-16, she traveled Idaho’s 44 counties educating IFRW Clubs on Federation programs. She created several slide presentations, like "The Suffragettes" and "Republican First Ladies," which were enjoyed at IFRW Biennial Conventions along with training programs. In 2014. Charlene founded and led the North Idaho Federated RW Club. Charlene's proactive approach and ability to overcome challenges have earned her the recent appointment as Kootenai County Republican Committeeman for Precinct #317. She is an accomplished Idaho Republican with a passion for serving her community while she promotes the ideals of the Republican Party. We are honored to present Charlene Matheson for 1st Vice President.

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Darlene Simpson

Treasurer

Darlene has lived in Lewiston since 1956. She is a self-employed independent contractor with Signature HomeStyles (54 years) and Tupperware (14 years). She also does taxes during tax season. Born in Indiana to a Republican family. Her Grandfather was County Chairman of the Shelby County Republican Central Committee in Indiana until his death. Her husband Paul, of almost 50 years, was involved in Republican politics until he died in 2016 and she became involved with the Nez Perce County Republican Women’s Club as their Treasurer, Secretary and as a past President. She is currently President of the Clearwater River Republican Women’s Club in Lewiston. She is also the past IFRW 1st District Co-Director. She is also Precinct committeeman for precinct 10 in Nez Perce County. She raised Paul’s 3 children from the ages of 10, 12, and 14. They have given her 6 grandchildren and 2, and one on the way, great-grandchildren. She graduated from Lewiston High School and attended LCSC, CWU, and WSU. She volunteered at the Snake River Community Clinic for many years. She loves karaoke and is part of a group that goes to the care centers in Lewiston and Clarkston to sing.- Darlene is dedicated to doing her best for the IFRW as Treasurer.

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Marsha Bjornn 

2nd Vice President

Marsha has dedicated 35 years of her life to actively participating in the Republican Party. Her illustrious service includes her role as precinct chairman, county chairman, state committee woman, and Region chair, spanning an impressive 15-year tenure. Moreover, she has orchestrated and overseen 30 fundraisers and served with the Idaho Federation of Republican Women's Board during her tenure. Marsha's exceptional participation in many state and national-level campaigns has been recognized, inducting her into the Idaho State Republican Hall of Fame as "A Person of Influence." She has represented the state as a delegate to RNC's National Conventions on several occasions. Marsha obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree from USU, and has been an adjunct faculty member at BYU-Idaho for 35 years, where she has imparted her skills as a pianist and organist by performing concerts throughout the West. Marsha has also been a prominent figure within her community, where she served as a part of The Rexburg City Council, Planning and Zoning committee, President of the Madison Hospital Foundation, as well as a leader in many other groups and boards. These include but are not limited to The Idaho State Humanities Council, Idaho Commission for the Arts, Idaho Magistrate Judges Commission, and President of Idahoans for Healthy Kids and Communities. Marsha has received several accolades for her exemplary service, including but not limited to Music Teacher of the Year for the Upper Valley Music Teachers Association, Outstanding Republican Leader, USU Alumni Award for Community Service, and Faculty Merit Award for Outstanding Teaching. Finally, it is important to mention that Marsha has been blessed with a family she loves dearly. Her husband Steve Bjornn has passed away, but she is the mother of seven married children, grandmother of 32 grandchildren, and great-grandmother of three children.

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Shellie Blanchard 

Secretary

Shellie Clark Blanchard lives her life in the beautiful county of Fremont, Idaho. She is an extraordinary person who has dedicated her life to serving others and her community. Growing up on a farm, Shellie learned the value of hard work at a very young age, a lesson that stayed with her throughout her life. When she married her husband, Rick Blanchard, they ran a successful sheep and cattle operation for 35 years. But even though she was busy with the farm life, Shellie made it a priority to stay involved in her community. Shellie had always been passionate about politics and has been involved with Republican Women for many years. Her mother, Joyce Clark, was one of the original founders of the Fremont County Republican Women, and Shellie continued her legacy by becoming an active member herself. Over the years, Shellie had served in various leadership positions, including Fremont County Chairman and past Fremont County State Committeewoman. She was also a past Precinct Committeeman. Her dedication to the party was evident in everything she did, and she is respected by all who know her. Shellie didn't just serve in the Republican Party. She is also an active member of her church, where she serves in various leadership positions. In addition, she is interested in many different activities, such as traveling, enjoying her grandchildren, cooking, fly fishing, and playing pickleball. Shellie has a heart for service, and this is reflected in her many years of volunteering. She is a board member of the Madison Memorial Foundation, and she serves as the president of the Fremont Company of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. In the past, she has also served as a board member for the South Fremont Education Foundation and as secretary for the Ashton Senior Citizens Board for four years. Shellie is a well-educated woman who graduated from North Fremont High School and had earned an associate’s degree in arts and sciences from Ricks College (BYU Idaho). In summary, Shellie Clark Blanchard is a remarkable woman who has accomplished so much in her life. She had been married to her beloved husband, Rick, for 49+ years before his passing, and they had five children and 18 grandchildren. Her passion for serving others and her community is evident in everything she does, and she is truly an inspiration to all who know her.

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Beck Funk 

1st District Director

I believe the women of IFRW are the heartbeat of our party. Republican Women have played a vital role in making Idaho the solid red state it is. Our party would not be where it is today without the scores of Republican Women who have been the fundraisers, event planners, party activists & educators, candidates, and campaign volunteers. The far left has been in overdrive to erase women by insisting that biological men can be women, undoing decades of progress for women’s equality. Thankfully, Representative Barbara Ehardt and former Senator Mary Souza worked tirelessly to pass the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act which prohibits biological men from competing in women’s sports. I’m happy to say our Republican Governor, Brad Little, has signed an executive order on behalf of this cause while the lawsuit against the legislation makes its way through the courts. As District 1 Director, I will be the liaison between IFRW and local clubs providing support and direction to our presidents and members with respect and fairness. My 2nd favorite quote of all time is from President Ronald Reagan who said, “The person who agrees with you 80% of the time is a friend and ally, NOT a 20% traitor.” * If we are to survive as an organization and as a party, we have to take those words to heart. Let’s not erase ourselves with purity tests and insistence on total compliance. If President Trump and Robert F Kennedy, Jr. can find common ground, we can do likewise with members of our own party with whom we share traditional Republican values. By doing so, we will remain the heartbeat •President and Charter Member of North Idaho Federated Republican Women •Legislative District 4 Chair •Campaign Manager and Consultant for numerous local & statewide Republican candidates in Idaho and Washington •Campaign Manager on Republican congressional races in New Mexico and Texas. •Co-Founder and past Vice Chair of Mountain States Policy Center. •Married 30 years. Two adult children.

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Natalie Millington

2nd District Director

Meet Natalie Millington, a remarkable Republican woman who has dedicated her life to serving the people of Idaho. With almost 50 years of experience in the state, Natalie is IFRW District 2 Director and the current President of Southern Idaho RW. Natalie is a true force to be reckoned with, having gained valuable leadership skills during her time in Wall Street finance. Over two decades, she honed her skills in organization and delegation and played a critical role in electing a number of county and state political leaders. Her significant contributions to the Republican Party did not go unnoticed, and she was soon elected as President of SIRW. Under her guidance, the club experienced unprecedented growth, with membership increasing by over 400%. Her contagious energy, cheerful outlook, and hardworking ethic make her a natural leader. Natalie is a skilled collaborator, always encouraging everyone around her to find the best solutions. She holds herself to the highest standards, with her unwavering commitment to empowering women. Her long-standing experience and compassionate nature make her an ideal choice for women looking to make a difference in their community and beyond. As an ardent supporter of the Republican Party, Natalie believes in the importance of coming together to promote conservative values and ensure that they are well-represented in the political sphere. She has led her club with distinction and achieved many impressive successes along the way. In the end, Natalie serves as an inspiration for all Republican women and community and campaign volunteers alike. Her commitment to her beliefs, her tireless work ethic, and her steadfast leadership have made a meaningful impact on the lives of people in Idaho.

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Tracey Wasden Immediate Past President 

Tracey Wasden has been a Conservative Republican since the age of 12. She remembers coming home from school and announcing that she was a Republican which was interesting growing up in Ketchum and Hailey, Idaho. Tracey attended Idaho Girls State and graduated from Wood River High School in Hailey. She graduated from Ricks College with a Pre-law degree in 1980 and served as an intern in the Idaho State Legislature. Tracey and Lawrence were married that same year. They both graduated from BYU in 1982 with degrees in Political Science and moved to Moscow for Lawrence to attend law school at the University of Idaho. After graduation, Tracey and Lawrence moved their young family to Caldwell where Lawrence worked as a Canyon County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney and Tracey helped Lawrence run for precinct committeeman. Lawrence went on to be the Canyon County Central Committee Chairman and later ran for and elected Attorney General. Tracey successfully ran each of his campaigns. Tracey has successfully run 10 statewide campaigns and, as well as providing advice and assistance to other statewide campaigns. She was awarded the Canyon County Outstanding Republican of the year award in 2018. Tracey works hard to help elect good republicans around this great state. Tracey is the mother of 4 wonderful children and the grandmother of 10 amazing little people.

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