Margaret Garza was raised in Hillsboro, Oregon, where she graduated from Hilhi in 1977 and later earned dual BAs in Business Administration and Spanish Literature from Lewis & Clark College. From a young age, she worked with her family in local fields, instilling in her a lifelong commitment to community and service.
Her career began at the Washington County Education Service District and Hillsboro Police Department, where she advocated for hiring bilingual and female officers and supported translation services. She later spent 15 years in business consulting, assisting small and medium-sized businesses statewide by coordinating with state agencies, banks, and legislators.
In 1996, Margaret became Marketing Director, and later Executive Director of the Washington County Fair Complex, making history as the first Mexican American to lead the largest fair in Oregon. She joined the County Assessor’s Office in 2001, improving departmental operations, championing inclusive hiring, and playing a key role in establishing Washington County’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion policy. She ultimately served as County Assessor and Clerk, another historic first for Oregon.
Margaret is the daughter of founding families of Centro Cultural de Washington County and Virginia Garcia Health Center & Foundation, two nonprofits that have served the region for over 50 years. Her board service includes St. Alexander’s, St. Anthony’s, Hillsboro Chamber, Hillsboro Rotary, Tuality Hospital, and multiple fair associations.
She and her husband, Armando Aranda, recently retired in Cornelius, where they continue to support their community. They have three children: Joshua, Ana, and Marina.
