Jeanne Atkins


Jeanne Paquette Atkins is an American politician who was the 25th Secretary of State of Oregon, having been appointed on March 6, 2015, by Governor Kate Brown following Brown's ascension to the state's highest office. Atkins is a member of the Democratic Party. She did not run for a full term as Secretary of State and later became state Democratic Party chair.

Early career

Atkins ran unsuccessfully for a seat in the Oregon House of Representatives twice, in 1992 and 1994. From 1998 until 2004, she was a division director for reproductive and women's health for the Oregon Department of Human Services. Atkins also worked as staff director for Democrats in the Oregon Senate from 1993 to 1994. Between 2004 and 2009, she served as Chief of Staff for the Oregon House Democratic Caucus, then-House Speaker Jeff Merkley, and then-House Speaker Dave Hunt. In the private and nonprofit sector, she has worked for Planned Parenthood, the United Way of America, and the Women's Equity Action League.
On August 24, 2009, Atkins was appointed as United States Senator Jeff Merkley's State Director, stating "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." She assumed the office on October 5, 2009. She retired from the post in January 2015. Upon her appointment as Secretary of State, Merkley stated, "Governor Brown couldn't have picked a more dedicated and experienced public servant to become our next Secretary of State. Jeanne Atkins is a true Oregon gem and supremely qualified. I've personally witnessed her strong leadership in her roles as my Chief of Staff, when I served as Speaker of the Oregon House, and as Oregon State Director of my Senate team. I know she will do a wonderful job as Oregon's Secretary of State."

Oregon Secretary of State

Atkins was reportedly one of the first people Kate Brown considered for the position of secretary of state after Brown became governor in February 2015. She said after her appointment that she did not plan to run for a full term in 2016.
Atkins was appointed on March 6, 2015 and formally sworn in on March 11, 2015 at 1:00 PM.

Democratic Party chair

In May 2017, Atkins was elected chair of the Democratic Party of Oregon, defeating Larry Taylor.

Personal life

Atkins resides in Cedar Hills, Oregon. She is married to John Atkins. She is originally from Bremerton, Washington.