By MITCH LIES

Capital Press

SALEM -- The Oregon Farm Bureau has hired Ian Tolleson as a government affairs associate to assist in its state lobbying efforts.

Tolleson, formerly an assistant legislative director with former House Speaker Bruce Hanna, R-Roseburg, replaces Shawn Cleave, who left the Farm Bureau in December to become chief of staff for the House Republican Office.

Tolleson will focus on forestry, fish and wildlife issues, transportation and labor, according to Katie Fast, government affairs director for the Farm Bureau. Cleave specialized in land use, taxes, labor and transportation issues during his five years at the Farm Bureau.

"Shawn has been a tremendous colleague and contributor to getting Farm Bureau policy in place," Executive Vice President Dave Dillon said. "He had some great accomplishments while at the Farm Bureau, including work on the estate tax and navigating some complicated land-use issues, where he represented our membership very well."

"It's been a pleasure to work for so many great people across Oregon," Cleave said. "The people I've met and the accomplishments we've made together will be lasting memories."

Dillon also said the Farm Bureau has hired a new director of regulatory affairs.

Mike Freese fills a position formerly held by Jennifer Shmikler. The position has been vacant for a little over a year.

Freese formerly worked for the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and for the U.S. Department of the Interior.

A lawyer, Freese also is expected to participate in the Farm Bureau's legal advocacy work.

He started in his new position Jan. 2.