Biography

Sharon Hanek grew up on U.S. military bases in Japan. Her family

moved to Washington State where she received a diploma from the

Foster School of Business for a B.A. in Business Administration

and Accounting. University life included being President of an

international business students organization (AIESEC) and she

traveled to Europe representing the U.S.

She went on to get her Certified Public Accountant license in 1980.

After acquiring several years of experience in accounting, auditing,

tax, and finance she established her own private tax and accounting practice.

As time passed Sharon learned firsthand how the dynamics of family life can alter career decisions. With three small children and her own mother needing critical care she chose to cut back on her plans to expand her practice in order to focus on her family.

Over the years Sharon has been actively involved in many organizations. In her early years she was active in professional business organizations and as her family grew she devoted her time to activities related to children. Her involvement in researching and participating in schools led her to her current passion in the political arena.

Sharon has spent the past decades researching and analyzing bills, working with legislators, and testifying on issues related to budget, taxes, transportation and education. She combined her interest in politics, financial background, and research skills to form a public policy research company. Her focus is to reach out to citizens across Pierce County and the State to help them become politically active citizens.

Sharon has extensive volunteer experience and understands that the "behind the scenes" volunteer is the backbone of a community. Many of the events taken for granted could not be done without people quietly stepping up to the plate and making the difference. Listed below are some of her past and present affiliations and volunteer positions.

In 2012 Sharon became the first candidate in Washington history to get her name on the ballot for the general election by winning a Statewide primary election through the "write-in" process. This was her first attempt for the position of Office of State Treasurer. Although she did not win in the November general election, she did win her next election and became the 2016 Chair of the Pierce County Charter Review Commission.

Over the recent years, she has served Pierce County as a member of the 2016 Charter Review Commission, Planning Commission, Redistricting Commission, and the Birth to 25 Advisory Board.

COMMUNITY / PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES (Past & Present)

AICPA, WSCPA, ASWA - past professional organizations

Small BUsiness Administration & Children's Hospital - Speakers Bureau

Kent Youth and Family Services - Board of Directors

Kent school District - Strategic Planning and Finance committees; PTA and LIT team committees

White River School District - PTA / High School Assessment Committee

Auburn Academy Parent Council - Founder and Director

Chinook Little League - Board of Directors

Pierce County Citizens Alliance for Property Rights - Officer

Pierce County Republican Party - Officer

Washington Federation of Republican Women - Officer

Developed and taught a Middle School Financial Literacy program