Meet Stephanie Barnard
Stephanie Barnard, a dedicated advocate for her community, was born and raised in Washington and has lived in the Tri-Cities for over thirty years. Her passion for small businesses and public safety has been a personal interest and a driving force behind her significant contributions to the region's economic growth and well-being.
Her career includes serving as the head of government affairs for the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce, where she led advocacy efforts through the Local Government Affairs Committee and the Tri-Cities Legislative Council. Stephanie has also been involved with the Business Resource Initiative and Business Builders Roundtable to help local businesses. Her ability to build coalitions and foster public-private relationships has been instrumental in advancing key initiatives and strengthening community outreach, benefiting businesses and enhancing the region's economy.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Stephanie is strongly committed to community service. She founded a nonprofit organization, ANGELS Network, which provided essential resources to low-income parents, demonstrating her dedication to improving the lives of others. She has also served on the Board of Directors for the Boy Scouts of America.
As a Republican leader, Stephanie has been actively involved in local politics, serving in various capacities within the Franklin County Republican Party and representing the party as a national delegate at the Republican National Convention.
Stephanie's commitment to her community led her to seek public office, and in 2022, she was elected to the Washington State House of Representatives, representing the 8th Legislative District. In her role, Stephanie has focused on improving the region's economy, supporting businesses, and creating family-wage jobs. Her service on several committees, including the Innovation, Community, and Economic Development and Veterans Committee, has allowed her to continue her advocacy for policies that benefit her constituents. She also serves on the Finance Committee and the Environment and Energy Committee, furthering her impact on key issues.
Stephanie achieved significant milestones for her district and the state in the last year. With the help of the Nuclear Energy Caucus, which she co-founded in 2022, she secured $25 million for Small Modular Reactor (SMR) development, which is crucial for meeting clean energy goals. House Bill 1955 passed unanimously, streamlining utility reporting and enhancing energy sector efficiency. Additionally, House Bill 1870 received tremendous bipartisan approval. The bill addresses community barriers to obtaining matching funds despite increased federal grants.
Outside of her professional and political endeavors, Stephanie is a devoted mother of six and an accomplished marathon runner, demonstrating her determination and commitment to excellence in all aspects of her life. She currently resides in Pasco with her two teenage children, continuing to serve as a dedicated leader and advocate for her community.