| District1 Senator Sharon Hewitt came to the Louisiana State Senate as a recognized civic and community leader with decades of volunteer service to area children and families. The Lake Charles native and long-time resident of Slidell is a graduate of Barbe High School and holds a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from LSU. As an engineering executive, Senator Hewitt managed major deep water assets in the Gulf of Mexico for Shell and earned a reputation as a passionate, committed problem solver.
As the demands of a young family grew, the Slidell republican focused her energies on her children, husband and community. Over the years, she worked to improve education policies and to grow STEM programs in local schools, earning the National PTA Life Achievement Award for her leadership. The Senator continues to support families and children through her volunteer work with East St. Tammany Habitat for Humanity and Junior Auxiliary of Slidell.
As a state senator, Hewitt has focused her efforts on stabilizing the state budget, improving education, creating jobs, investing in infrastructure, advocating for families, and restoring Louisiana's coast. She currently serves as vice-chair of the Senate Transportation, Highways & Public Works Committee, and is a member of the Senate Environmental Quality Committee, the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget, and the Senate Finance Committee, which oversees the state budgeting process.
Senator Hewitt also has a strong voice on how coastal restoration dollars are spent as a member of the Governor's Advisory Commission for the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority and the Select Committee on Coastal Restoration and Flood Control.
As a member of both the Select Committee on Women and Children and the Louisiana Policy and Research Commission, Hewitt advocates for policies that will improve the lives of women and children throughout the state.
Finally, the Senator represents the state of Louisiana on two important national energy panels - the Southern Legislative Conference (SLC) Energy and Environment Committee and the Energy Council.
During the 2016 legislative sessions, Senator Hewitt proved to be a strong voice for businesses and families, having received the Business Champion Award from the SWLA Economic Development Alliance, the Guardian of Small Business Award from the National Federation of Independent Business and the Family Advocate Award from the Louisiana Family Forum.
Senator Hewitt married her husband, Stan, over30 years ago and they have proudly raised two sons, Chris and Brad. They are longtime members of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Slidell.
Senate District 1 includes the eastern side of St. Tammany Parish as well as portions of Orleans, St. Bernard and Plaquemines parishes. |