WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sen. Jeff Merkley has tapped Jeanne Atkins to be the Oregon Democrat’s new state director.

Atkins formerly worked with Merkley during his tenure in the Oregon House of Representatives. She will lead six state offices and staff.

Atkins served as the chief of staff to the Speaker of the Oregon House under the leadership of Merkley and his successor Dave Hunt.

She also was 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 Merkley’s state director on Oct. 5.

– Phil Wright