President

President
MERLENE MARTIN

Not only is Merlene Martin the OSEA State President, but she is also the In-School Suspension Supervisor for Lincoln Middle School, the President of her local OSEA Chapter, an AACSE delegate, and a wife of 28 years with two daughters.

Originally from Corning, California, Merlene worked as a dental assistant for 11 years before moving to Oregon. Then, in 1989, Merlene began working for the South Lane School District.

But Merlene didn’t join OSEA as a member at first. Memories from her own father’s union involvement with the Safeway Teamsters left her unsure about the union. Then, one day, an OSEA member invited Merlene to a chapter meeting. She went, became a member, and was elected chapter secretary.

Over the years, her involvement never seemed to waver. Even when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Merlene continued to volunteer. She worked on State Committees and then as a Zone Director. She was elected Vice President and then State President.

When asked why she ran for a third term as State President, Merlene answered, “I felt I had more to give.”

Message from the President
In every issue of the OSEA Journal, the State President writes a column. Click on the above link to view the latest column.

State President
The State President presides at all OSEA state held meetings.

Elected by Delegates
The conference delegates elect this position on each even-numbered year for a two-year term.