Angela Wilhelms first went to the Oregon State Capitol when she was an infant…and she hasn’t stopped. Born during her father’s tenure as a state legislator and her mom’s tenure as his legislative aide, Angela became a known figure in the House wing when she was only months old. Little did they know then that she’d eventually return to the Capitol as the chief of staff for the minority office and for one of the two co-speaker offices.
Angela is the President & CEO of Oregon Business & Industry, a statewide business advocacy organization representing more than 1,600 members who employ more than 250,000 Oregonians. Angela previously worked for the University of Oregon in the role of University Secretary (though, as a true Oregonian, she’ll root for the Beavers any time they aren’t competing against the Ducks). Prior to the UO, her work experience was largely in legislative affairs—both at the federal and state levels—and corporate finance. She has a degree in Finance from Santa Clara University, and a law degree and MBA from Willamette University. She serves on the statewide board of directors for SMART Reading and is a certified official with USA Track and Field.
Having the opportunity to give back through the Oregon State Capitol Foundation makes sense for this native Oregonian with lifelong memories in the Capitol’s halls and haunts.