JoAnn barton

JoAnn moved to Newport in 1996 with her late husband and their two children, both of whom graduated from Newport High School. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology as an adult student, wife and mother, which led to her lengthy volunteer career on behalf of children and her community. JoAnn is past Chair of the Board for the Lincoln County Children’s Advocacy Center, and past leader of the Poverty Task Force of the Central Coast Chapter’s Stand for Children. She was elected to the Port of Newport’s Commission in 2007, and served as its President for three years. During her eight year tenure, JoAnn led the successful effort toward achieving a NOAA award that brought five world class ocean research vessels and 165 jobs to Oregon. JoAnn and her husband Bill have spent countless hours working on their long-term dream of creating a nature preserve on Newport’s Yaquina Bay. The couple share a dedication to supporting environmental, cultural, and social organizations that enhance the community they love.