Hello! My name is Annette Tipton and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to represent Idaho families in LD15 at the Idaho State Legislature. Growing up in Rupert, ID, the lessons and memories of my small farming community are ones I have always valued and cherished. I am the granddaughter of Mexican immigrants and the daughter of an Idaho migrant farmworker. My mother’s entrepreneurial spirit, work ethic, and commitment to faith and family inspired me to excellence beginning at an early age. From academics, to music, sports competitions, and volunteer work, all prepared me to serve in ways I never expected.

 

After graduating from Nampa Senior High School in 1996, I attended Brigham Young University — Provo where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Community Health in 2001. During Spring 2004, I was selected for the internship program in the office of Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) in Washington, D.C. The policy and committee experience I gained on Capitol Hill were invaluable and led me to a career in government relations.

 

Following my time on Capitol Hill, I began working in government relations representing financial institutions Merrill Lynch, Bank of America, and CIT Group before the U.S. Congress and White House Administrations. My portfolio covered Corporate Tax Reform, Political Action and Federal Elections Committee reporting, Troubled Assets Relief Program, Making Homes Affordable, and Wall Street Reform. The Great Recession directly impacted each firm and my livelihood, but afforded me the opportunity to work harder and focus on my goal of advanced education. I completed a Master’s Degree in International Commerce and Policy with an emphasis in Global Financial Policy from George Mason University in 2011.

 

After a decade on the East Coast, Idaho beckoned me back for a season. During 2013, I was fortunate to be able to redirect my experience and talent in the healthcare sector and volunteered at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center and the Garden City Community Clinic. These experiences and my desire to support a clinic that served the marginalized, low-income, and seasonal farmworker communities – people whose challenges were similar to my family’s early circumstances – led me to Terry Reilly Health Services (TRHS). In 2014, I accepted an offer to establish and lead the Outreach & Enrollment office. Under my direction, the team provided bilingual education and enrollment support for both clinic staff and in the community. Our efforts were recognized with a nomination for excellence by the Nampa Chamber of Commerce.

 

Following the success and personal fulfillment of my work in Idaho, I chose to explore life on the sunny beaches of the West Coast in 2015. And once again, I opted to lend my time and talent working in healthcare, supporting the homeless and domestic violence survivors in both Los Angeles and Orange Counties. My work with the Coalition of Orange County Community Health Centers and the Orange County Women’s Health Project was very rewarding as I was engaged in public policy research that that impacted women’s health issues.

 

In 2016, I returned to the world of financial services and accepted an offer from JPMorgan in business management for government financing. This role engaged strategic and tactical finance practices that increased my capacity and allowed me to became an expert in corporate budgeting, financial statements, growth projections, and data analytics.

 

From my first days on Capitol Hill, to looking out at the concrete jungle of New York, and living abroad in Latin America, and watching sunsets on the Newport Beach peninsula, who knew those experiences would come a distant second to Boise State University. I met my husband at a corporate finance lecture in February 2018 and we married in January 2019 in the LDS Temple in Meridian, ID. So, just like Dorothy Gale, I clicked my heels and decided, “there’s no place like home.” We settled in West Boise and our beautiful daughter Theodora “Teddie” was born in 2021. She is a miracle, a gift from God, and the joy of my life.

 

Since 2020, I have been working for the State Controller’s Office (SCO). This opportunity allowed me to leverage my experience in public policy and corporate finance. My first assignment was oversight of the $1.25B in CARES funding that was allocated to the State of Idaho. Currently, I am leading the state’s legislative mandate to establish an integrated data system, Insight Idaho.

 

What I have shared about my humble beginnings, adventurous spirit, and resolve to serve others supports my reason to represent our district. While much has changed in the years I grew up, Idaho’s spirit, values, and wonder remain the same. They are why so many are drawn to our beautiful state. Join me in preserving the legacy and pride of Idaho for our sons, daughters, and many generations to come. God bless you and your family!