Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber has appointed Council 75 Executive Director Ken Allen to the Oregon Health & Science University's Board of Directors. Oregon AFSCME Local 328 represents over 5,000 workers at OHSU, making it by far the Council's largest single local union.

Allen will be one of 10 directors on the OHSU Board. Seven are appointed by the governor for four-year terms once confirmed by the Oregon Senate. Three positions are mandated by law: the sitting president of OHSU (currently Joe Robertson), one member of the Oregon State Board of Higher Education and one OHSU student. The university president serves on the board throughout his or her presidency, the student board member serves a two-year term and each of the other members is appointed for a four-year term.

"I have worked for more than 35 years representing health care workers and bargaining over health care for our members," said Allen. "I bring that experience to the table. I look forward to working to help OHSU continue to be an important economic engine for all of Oregon."

Allen, who assumed Oregon AFSCME's top position in 1995, is also a member of the Governor's Health Care Exchange and recently concluded a stint on the Port of Portland Board of Directors. He is also an AFSCME International Vice President, meaning he has a seat on the national union's board as well.