Clarno names Vial as deputy secretary of state

Oregon Secretary of State Bev Clarno announced Wednesday the appointment of former state representative Rich Vial as deputy secretary of state.

“I am delighted that Rich has agreed to serve as Deputy Secretary of State,” said Clarno. “His legislative experience, extensive knowledge of state and local government, and bi-partisan reputation for intelligence and integrity will allow him to immediately hit the ground running.”

After selling his controlling interest in Vial, Fotheringham, LLP, a multi-state law firm representing primarily Condominiums and Homeowner Associations throughout the west, Vial was elected as an Oregon State Representative in 2016 from a district that encompassed portions of Washington, Yamhill, and Clackamas Counties. He served on the Transportation, Judiciary, and Education and Health Care Committees, where he earned a reputation as a thoughtful legislator, always willing to hear all sides of policy questions before taking a position.

Vial is 64 years of age and resides with his wife and large and diverse family in the rural Washington County area of Scholls, along the Tualatin River where they farm and operate real estate and construction businesses. A business graduate of Brigham Young University where he minored in accounting, and a graduate of Willamette Law School, Vial has been active in local community affairs for more than 30 years, serving in a variety of positions including school board chair, county fair board chair, and currently as chair of the Washington County Planning Commission.

Vial said, “It will be an honor to work with Secretary Clarno, and I share her vision of a Secretary of State’s office that operates in a professional, non-partisan and cost effective manner, delivering quality service to all Oregonians.”