State Treasurer Todd Winter
One of the biggest actions that delegates took at Conference 2026 was to pass a resolution creating a new position on OSEA's Board of Directors: State Treasurer. This position will oversee OSEA's finances at the state level.
Todd Winter of Tigard-Tualatin Chapter 51 was appointed treasurer by the Board of Directors and sworn in on Aug. 8. He will serve until an election can be held at Conference 2027.
"Budget work is a passion of mine," Todd has been known to say, and it shows – Conference 2026 delegates will remember his energetic and passionate budget presentations. As chair of OSEA's Finance Committee this last year, Todd oversaw the creation of the 2026-27 budget, and was able to share the detailed information with delegates in a way that was simultaneously informative and entertaining.
Before becoming committee chair last year, Todd served on the Finance Committee for many years. He is already familiar with our union's finances, making him well-equipped to serve as OSEA's chief financial officer.
"It is my honor to serve as the first OSEA State Treasurer," Todd said. "I have the unique opportunity to somewhat shape what our tTreasurer should, and must, be. I look forward to serving all of you."
Zone VI Director Ralph Freilinger
Delegates from Zone VI elected Ralph Freilinger of Bend-La Pine Chapter 6 to represent Central Oregon on the Board of Directors. For years, Ralph has done everything he can to contribute to OSEA: building his skills with virtual trainings, attending events, in-person trainings and membership drives, going to chapter events, coming to Conference and serving on state committees to shape OSEA's future. He sees serving as zone director as the next thing he can do to support OSEA and his fellow educators.
As Zone VI director, Ralph is excited to get out in his zone to support his chapters in building power and bargaining strong contracts. He spent the summer reading up on Zone VI contracts so he can be ready to help as chapters go into bargaining. He looks forward to digging into membership numbers in his area and helping chapters grow. He also wants to find ways to make it easier for Zone VI chapters to attend Conference so they can participate in state-level decisions.
"If it's something I can do, and I can get to it, then that's what I'm doing," said Ralph.