WASHINGTON DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley announced
today that Jeanne Atkins has agreed to join his team as his new state
director. Atkins formerly worked with Merkley during his tenure in the
Oregon House of Representatives.
“I’m thrilled that Jeanne has agreed lead my Oregon staff as
my new State Director and bring her superb team management abilities to this
post. Jeanne is greatly respected by Oregonians of all political stripes
for her hard work and dedication to this state. I know she will serve
ably and build on the strong foundation we’ve established over the last seven
months,” said Merkley.
Atkins served as the Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the
Oregon House under the leadership of both Merkley and his successor Dave
Hunt. She was also Caucus Director of the Oregon House Democrats when
Merkley held the post of Minority Leader.
Prior to her time in the Oregon House, Atkins headed the
Women’s and Reproductive Health Section of the Department of Human Services,
Office of Family Health; served in several capacities at Planned Parenthood of
the Columbia/Willamette; was the Staff Director in the Senate Majority Office
in the Oregon Legislature and did government relations for United Way of Columbia/Willamette.
Atkins will formally begin as State Director on October 5th.
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