Matheson elected new IFRW president

When members of the Idaho Federation of Republican Women met in Coeur d’Alene Sept. 30-Oct. 1, for their 2016 IFRW Biennial Conference and Fall Board of Directors Meeting, they elected Charlene Matheson of Sandpoint as the group’s new president for 2017-’18.

Matheson, co-founder and first president of the North Idaho Federated Republican Women’s organization in 2014, has proven leadership in the Republican Party by leading the NIFRW to receive “Diamond Awards” from both the NFRW and IFRW. During her NIFRW tenure, she increased membership from 10 to 80 members by the end of December 2015.

This year she was presented a “Tribute to Women Award,” which was given to 11 diligent hardworking women who promote and educate Republican women in the governmental positions. Charlene actively served on the IFRW Board as its leadership development chair in 2014-2015.

“I am both humbled and honored to have the opportunity to work with exceptionally devoted Republican Women statewide, who are committed to champion Republican Excellence through their leadership,” Matheson said. “I am truly fortunate to have an extremely accomplished IFRW executive committee, board of directors and committee chairs which has already been formulated.

“These remark- able Repub-lican women will contribute their incredible talents to the continued success of the Republican Party. I look forward to leading and energizing the Republican Party by increasing a greater presence through collaboration, education, and dedication to new club memberships all across Idaho.”

The IFRW was honored to have in attendance Lt. Governor Brad Little, Attorney General Lawrence Wasden, Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra, and Rep. Kelley Packer, who presented updates on the legislative activities in their state roles.

In addition, Joann Parker, from New Iberia, La., treasurer of the National Federation of Republican Women was in attendance and presented a program on supporting Republicans and getting out the vote along with giving an overview of goals the Republican women could help accomplish during the election season.