Clarno names Heckert director of civics education

Secretary of State Bev Clarno announced Friday that Mary Beth Herkert will begin serving as Director of Civics Education starting June 3.

“After serving as the State Archivist for 14 years, I have asked Mary Beth Herkert to serve in a new role with the Secretary of State,” Clarno said. “As the Director of Civics Education, Mary Beth will continue to manage the Kid Governor Program and will create and implement a new Civics Education Program, working with schools around the state to increase civics education and provide access to key documents regarding Oregon as a state.

“Mary Beth has dedicated so much of her life to Oregon history and to the Secretary of State, and I am so pleased that she will be tackling this new role for Oregon.”

“Mary Beth Herkert is a true Oregon treasure,” said Oregon Historical Society Executive Director Kerry Tymchuk. “Her nearly 35 years of service to the Oregon State Archives has provided her with a knowledge of Oregon’s history that is unsurpassed. Secretary of State Clarno was right on target in asking Mary Beth to assume new responsibilities that will allow her to share her knowledge with citizens and students across our state.”