Earning the title of 2020 Rising Star is Stayton City Councilor Jordan Ohrt.
“I am kind of a ‘Jill of all trades’ as it were,” said Ohrt, a mom of two who also helps her husband run their residential construction company, Hunts and Hanks Construction Co., LLC, and is also a Realtor with John L Scott Real Estate in Salem.
The award will formally presented by the Stayton Sublimity Chamber of Commerce May 20.
Ohrt was elected to the Stayton City Council in 2019. She spent a lot of time at the State Capitol when it was open, and now advocates online for the community and rural value, and ownership by submitting oral and written testimony and meeting with legislators.
“I am humbled that others in the community value my voice and recognize the work I am doing for the community,” she said. “Sometimes it feels unseen, but I made a commitment to Stayton because I love our town and want to see us succeed.”
Ohrt ran for city council to make a difference.
“I was tired of watching from the sidelines,” she said. “I knew if I didn’t do it, I couldn’t complain about how others did it if I wasn’t willing to get involved.”
Ohrt also participates with Revitalize Downtown Stayton and is an active participant in Oregon’s legislative process, speaking on behalf of “constituents on issues affecting the broader community,” according to the Stayton Sublimity Chamber of Commerce.
Nominators called Ohrt a person that “cares for her community, not only to make a name for herself, but to truly serve and work for the benefit of our community.
“She is passionate about standing up for issues regardless of the loudest voice and works diligently on behalf of those who have an opinion but no outlet to voice it,” they agreed. “She is a true servant leader who is interested in collaboration and working together for a common good, which outweighs individual opinions or divisive politics. She values everyone’s opinion and treats people with respect regardless.”
Fellow councilor David Patty said Ohrt “exemplifies public service in our community. She consistently elevates voices who may go unheard due to virtual meetings.”
Councilor Paige Hook credits Ohrt for being an advocate for Stayton’s pool, parks and library.
“She’s been involved in local events with Revitalize Downtown Stayton. She was there for the founding meetings for getting youth sports going after they disappeared with the YMCA leaving the community. She’s active in local and state politics where she testifies in committee hearings. And she’s an elected precinct committee person for her party,” said Hook, who nominated Ohrt for council president because of her ability to listen to people regardless of her personal stance on an issue.
The Rising Star (Young Professional of the Year) goes to an entrepreneur or employee, age 40 or younger, who works and/or resides in the region, and exemplifies professionalism, leadership, service and/or dedication to his or her field, company, or the community.
“We all have our strengths, our competitive advantages that if put together can make a world of difference,” Ohrt said. “It can be small. It doesn’t have to be a big thing or a long commitment…Many hands make light work!”
