Occupational Background: 27 year career with the United States Air Force serving in command, leadership, staff, and diplomatic positions; served in Vietnam and Yugoslavia; served on Air Staff and Secretary of Defense Staff in the Pentagon
Educational Background: Masters degree in International Affairs, University of Arkansas; Journalism degree from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Air Command & Staff College; National Defense College
Prior Governmental Experience: Served as Chair and Vice Chair of the Deschutes County Commission on Children & Families; three term Deschutes County precinct person; Sunriver Board of Directors 1997-2000; past Treasurer and Chair of the Deschutes County Republican Party
Community Service: Member of Homeless Leadership Council, multiple veteran organizations, and the local chapter of the Military Officers Association of America; member of Sunriver Christian Fellowship Church; former youth sports coach and PTA officer
Family: Married to fourth generation Oregonian, Josie Coffey. Josie works part-time for Sunriver Resort and is a member of the Assistance League of Bend. Son, Todd, is married and lives in New Bern, NC
Gene Whisnant
Leadership with honesty and integrity
Gene knows sound financial principles – lower taxes, audits of government programs, job creation, and less regulation – will result in the economic development necessary to improve our quality of life. A healthy economy will help to ensure a stable education system, care for our seniors and disabled, and expand community safety programs.
Gene knows it’s critical to focus on natural resource and agricultural issues by supporting our farmers and ranchers and protecting the rights of property owners.
Gene Whisnant
New leadership with new ideas for Oregon