Wilhelms to Return as House Speaker's Chief of Staff

Nichols will manage NW Consulting Firm.

Karen Minnis

(SALEM) - House Speaker Karen Minnis (R-Wood Village) today announced that Gary Wilhelms will return as her Chief of Staff.

“I’m thrilled Gary is returning as my Chief of Staff,” Speaker Minnis said. “There are few with his depth of experience; rightfully he is well respected in and outside of the capitol.”

Wilhelms was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives in 1972 from District 53 in Klamath County and was re-elected in 1974, 1976 and 1978. After serving as a member of the Legislature, Wilhelms lobbied for several telecommunications companies. Since 1997, Wilhelms has worked in various staffing capacities at the Capitol.

“While I was enjoying retirement, I love the work and the capitol and I feel honored to be serving the Speaker and House again,” Wilhelms said.

She said that Troy Nichols, her Chief of Staff since 2005, will leave the Speaker’s Office to pursue consulting opportunities in the Northwest.

Nichols leaves the Speaker’s Office in order to concentrate on his communications firm, Optimus Communications, LLC. Nichols is already working on several projects in the Northwest.

“Since the 2001 Session, when he served as my Legislative Director in the Majority Office, Troy has been a trusted and loyal employee and friend,” said Speaker Minnis. “I am excited about Troy’s new opportunities and wish him nothing but the best.”