About Andy Hawes
Boise Roots and Family
Andy Hawes is a fifth‑generation Idahoan and lifelong member of the Boise community. A proud product of the Boise School District, he attended Hawthorne Elementary, East Junior High, and Boise High School. His family’s connection to Boise schools spans more than a century — his great‑grandfather, Fletcher “Tay” Hawes, graduated from Boise High School in 1889, and generations of his family have remained involved in Boise public education ever since.
Andy is married to Gretchen Christie of Troy, Idaho, and together they have two children, both graduates of the Boise School District.
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• Audrey, Boise High School Class of 2021
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• Greta, Boise High School Class of 2023
Both daughters attended Longfellow Elementary and North Junior High, continuing the family’s deep connection to Boise schools.
Andy often notes that he has “always been a big fan of Boise Schools,” and that his own teachers — including his fourth‑ and fifth‑grade teachers at Hawthorne Elementary, who later signed his trustee petition — played a formative role in shaping his commitment to public service.
Education and Legal Career
After graduating from Boise High, Andy earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with Honors from the University of Denver. He later received his Juris Doctor from the University of Idaho College of Law.
Andy has practiced law for more than 25 years, focusing on natural resources, real estate, and business law. In 2008, he served as one of the youngest presidents in the history of the Idaho State Bar, reflecting his longstanding commitment to professional leadership and public service within Idaho’s legal community.
Professional Experience
Andy’s professional background includes extensive work in governance, strategic planning, and asset management:
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• Director of Land, Water, and Asset Recovery, J.R. Simplot Company
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• Former Senior Corporate Counsel, Weyerhaeuser
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- Worked on long‑range planning tied to land holdings and resource management
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• Experience in complex land, resource, and infrastructure issues that align with district‑level planning needs
This professional foundation has informed his understanding of long‑term facilities planning, capital strategy, and responsible stewardship of public resources.
Community and Nonprofit Involvement
Andy has been active in several community organizations and nonprofit efforts. His service includes:
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• Past service as Vice Chair, Board of Directors, Jesse Tree of Idaho
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• Past Board Member, Boise Elevated, a nonprofit think tank focused on advancing Boise through business and community collaboration
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• Participation in various civic and community groups throughout his career
These roles reflect his long‑standing commitment to strengthening Boise’s communities and supporting families across the region.
Personal Perspective
Andy has often said that his service as a Boise School Trustee has been one of the most meaningful roles of his life. As a Boise Schools graduate, parent, and family member of longtime district educators, he views public education as central to the strength and future of the community.
“Boise schools changed my life,” he has said. “The teachers who invested in me helped shape who I am today, and I remain grateful for the opportunities this district provided my family.”
