Maria Smithson

Principal

For 25 years, Maria Smithson has provided leadership at the center of political campaigns and public eye initiatives. At Gallatin, Maria provides account management and communications counsel to business, issue advocacy and trade association clients.

Maria began her career on the 1992 Oregon Clinton-Gore Presidential campaign. Over the next two decades, Maria managed successful campaigns for Attorney General Hardy Myers along with multiple statewide and Congressional campaigns, including former Washington Congressman Brian Baird’s reelection in 2002. In 1999, she was elected to serve on the Democratic National Committee, taking a lead role in securing approval of Oregon’s nascent Vote-By-Mail system for its first Presidential primary in 2000.

Maria was born and raised in Oregon and studied communications and political science at the University of Oregon.  She and her husband John live in Eugene and have three daughters: Molly, Chloe, and Nora, and a son, Hayden.  Outside of work, Maria enjoys hiking local trails and cheering on the Ducks at Autzen Stadium and Matthew Knight Arena.

“Oregon and the Pacific Northwest are in my blood and my family history. The opportunity to help advise and guide public-eye clients through the unique issues and politics of our region is more than a job or a profession for me – it’s my passion.”