Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Trixie Ortiz and I am the Program Manager of Recruitment & Retention for the Oregon Office of Rural Health.

Where did you grow up? When did you come to Hermiston?

I was born in Walla Walla, but raised in Umatilla. I have spent the last 22 years living in Hermiston, and I’m darn proud of it.

What are a few of your hobbies?

I enjoy hiking in the Pacific Northwest, traveling to new destinations, fishing for trout on the lake in the summer and hunting for treasures in antique shops.

How do you spend your free time?

I have two grown sons, and one 6-year-old-grandson, and I try and spend as much time with them as possible. Outside of that, I like to be outdoors as much as possible, especially walking my 11-month old Boston terrier.

How would you describe yourself?

Ambitious, kind, creative, loyal and very independent.

What is something that you’re passionate about?

Honestly, my job! I took my position with the Oregon Office of Rural Health 11 months ago as it gave me the opportunity to assist recruiting healthcare providers to rural and underserved communities across the entire state of Oregon.

What are a few of your proudest accomplishments?

Always a tough question to answer. But personally, I would say raising my two sons to be successful adults in this tough world, and professionally, being an invited speaker to the 2017 annual Oregon Rural Health Conference to speak on “Recruiting for the next Generation,”, as well as holding the position of Oregon Association of Medical Staff Services president 2010-2012.

What do you like most about the community you live in?

Oh gosh, where to begin, community pride and small town spirit definitely characterize my hometown Hermiston. Hermiston is centrally located between the cities of Portland, Spokane and Boise, making it a short drive in every direction to a major metropolitan area. And we can’t forget, Hermiston’s proximity to the Columbia River (water sports galore), as well as our easy access to the Blue Mountains which provides us with a wealth of hiking, fishing, hunting and camping activities.