Jim Green, a longtime and highly respected legislative advocate for Oregon's public schools, has been selected as the next executive director of the Oregon School Boards Association.
Green will succeed Betsy Miller-Jones, who is retiring Jan. 1. He has been the association's deputy executive director since March 2012.
Dr. Doug Nelson, president of the OSBA Board of Directors, said that Green emerged as the top candidate after a national search, based on his passion for public education, knowledge of the issues and statewide reputation.
"Jim is uniquely qualified for this position," Nelson said. "He thoroughly understands the important volunteer work that school board members perform, and through his legislative expertise he has helped position OSBA as a leading voice for public education in Oregon.
"The OSBA Board believes he will build on the momentum we have created in the last four years toward closing the achievement gap, lifting graduation rates, ensuring local control, and ensuring that our public schools are properly funded."
In addition to his work at OSBA, Green has been an elected member of the Salem-Keizer School Board since 2011.
Green said he is excited to continue the work of Miller-Jones in implementing the Board's vision of service to local school boards and lifting student achievement.
"Ultimately, everything we do is about investing in our young people and creating a better future for them, and for our state," he said. "I'm a product of Oregon's public schools, and so I know firsthand how public education changes lives."
Green, a graduate of Oregon State University and Willamette University's College of Law, served as a legislative specialist at OSBA from 1992 to 2007. He worked as a lobbyist and practiced law in private practice for five years before returning to OSBA in 2012.
OSBA is a member services agency for more than 200 locally elected boards serving school districts, education service districts and community colleges. It also provides services to charter schools and their boards.
