Rep. Norma Smith is the fourth of six children born to Chapman and Alice Creighton of Pensacola, Florida. She married Stephen Smith in 1971, the young Marine Corp pilot who captured her heart and was the love of her life for 34 years. After returning from his service in Vietnam, Stephen continued to serve in the United States Marine Corps Reserve and spent more than 20 years serving as a Emergency Medical Services pilot. Steve and Norma moved to Washington in 1978. In 1990, they built their home on Whidbey Island, where they raised their four children. 

Public Service

Norma, appointed to the House of Representatives in January 2008, she will now serve a full two-year term beginning in January 2009. Before taking elected office, she served the constituents of the 10th District for many years as the Special Assistant to Congressman Jack Metcalf for Veterans, Military, and Local Governmental Affairs. She staffed all Congressman Metcalf's work regarding bioterrorism and troop readiness, and related veterans' issues.

Since the conclusion of her congressional service, Norma has focused on the private and non-profit sectors of business, where she has had tremendous success. She worked at Global Seascape where she was responsible for business plan research and development as the company explored a new concept related to the U.S. retail sector. Norma also had the privilege of working for CRISTA Ministries in two capacities - first as Director of Senior Community Programs  serving more than 650 senior adults in four facilities; followed by her promotion to Director of Corporate Communications for the parent corporation, where she was able to highlight the goals and accomplishments of CRISTA Ministries.

In early 2005, Norma decided to devote more of her time to local community service and accepted the a position at an exciting firm, Lindsay Communications located in Langley, Wash. There she provided writing services for large technology firms in the U.S. and managed operations for the group.

Private sector

Since the conclusion of congressional service, Norma has focused on the private and non-profit sectors where she enjoyed many successes.  At Global Seascape, she was responsible for business plan research and development as they explored a new concept related to the US retail sector.  Norma also had the privilege of working at CRISTA Ministries in two capacities, first as Director of Senior Community Programs, serving more than 650 senior adults in four facilities.  She was then asked to serve as the Director of Corporate Communications for the parent organization.  During this time, she was able to gain new insights about the challenges faced daily by those providing important services to the community. 

In early 2005 after deciding she wanted to be involved in her local community, she accepted an offer to work with an exciting communications group located in Langley.  Here Norma provided writing services for large technology firms in the US and managed operations for the group.  Serving with the exceptional staff and owners of Lindsay Communications was one her most rewarding professional experiences.

The hard place

On September 29, 2005, Norma’s husband Steve and his crew of two nurses died in the line of duty during an EMS helicopter flight.  Steve was a loving husband and devoted dad whose life touched many.  His deep and personal faith in God encouraged and inspired those who knew him.  The last three years have been an unexpected journey for Norma, her family and friends through unthinkable grief.  While the pain is difficult, there is an incredible gratitude for having shared life and love with such a remarkable man.  His was a life well lived. 

Family

Norma’s family has grown to include four terrific in-law children, and four precious grandchildren.  With two of her grandchildren on the east coast, and two in the greater Puget Sound area, her family home has become a focal point for regular gatherings of family and friends.  The ever evolving menagerie of animals that has been a constant in her family’s life currently includes two dogs, a cat and two miniature donkeys named Hoss and Little Joe!

Today

Norma is honored to serve the people of the Washington State’s 10^th Legislative District in Olympia, and to work on the critical issues facing our communities and state.