SALEM, Ore. – Governor Tina Kotek has announced more than 100 appointments to state boards and commissions, a sweeping round of selections that includes a notable name from Oregon politics: Betsy Johnson, the former lawmaker who ran as an independent candidate against Kotek in the 2022 governor’s race.
Johnson, a longtime state legislator with deep ties to Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), will now serve on the university’s governing board.
From Rival to Appointee
Johnson, who spent decades in the state Legislature before her independent gubernatorial bid, said she was surprised but honored to be asked to serve.
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“I was delighted that (Kotek) thinks I can make a contribution at really a very important time in OHSU’s history,” Johnson said on Monday.
According to Kotek’s office, Johnson’s familiarity with the institution made her a natural fit. “Betsy knows OHSU well and Oregon is lucky to have her continued dedication to public service,” spokesperson Lucas Bezerra said. He highlighted Johnson’s work on the presidential search committee last year as “invaluable” to the process.
Deep Roots at OHSU
Johnson’s connection to the hospital spans decades. She has been a patient, a donor, and a board member for both the OHSU Foundation and Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. That longstanding involvement, she said, positions her to contribute meaningfully as the university navigates a challenging moment in its history.
Her appointment comes on the heels of a tumultuous period for OHSU.
Leadership Shifts and Institutional Challenges
The university has faced a string of controversies in recent years. Allegations of misconduct by prominent doctors, including surreptitious photography of female students and workplace assaults, drew widespread criticism. A highly publicized attempt to merge with Legacy Health collapsed, while internal tensions under former president Dr. Danny Jacobs culminated in a faculty no-confidence vote and his abrupt resignation in October 2023.
In July, the board named Dr. Shereef Elnahal as OHSU’s new president. Johnson expressed optimism about his leadership. “I’m most eager to see him succeed in leading the institution through some pretty challenging times,” she said.
Financial struggles compound the challenge. The hospital reported a projected $114 million operating loss at the close of its last fiscal year. Looming federal changes could bring additional cuts to research and safety-net programs.
Still, there are bright spots: Phil and Penny Knight recently pledged $2 billion to help OHSU advance cancer research, a historic investment that could transform the university’s future. Johnson said she believes the combination of strong philanthropy and bold new leadership gives OHSU “the chance to strike a new tone with a younger, very bold leader.”
Johnson’s Approach
Known during her time in the Legislature as a blunt, pragmatic voice, Johnson promised to bring the same ethos to her new role.
“I earned my reputation as a straight shooter who demands accountability,” she said. “I don’t see anything changing with this new set of responsibilities.”
Her presence on the board is expected to add both political experience and a watchdog’s perspective at a critical juncture for Oregon’s premier academic medical center.
Other Key Appointments
Johnson’s selection was part of a broader round of appointments announced by Kotek last week:
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Michael Dembrow, former Democratic state senator and education advocate from Portland, will serve on the Higher Education Coordinating Commission.
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Lee Beyer, a former Democratic senator from Springfield, was reappointed to the Transportation Commission.
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Cheri Helt, a former Republican state representative from Bend, was named to the Oregon Government Ethics Commission.
These appointments, Kotek’s office said, reflect her commitment to drawing on a wide range of experiences and perspectives to strengthen Oregon’s institutions.
Looking Ahead
For Johnson, the new role represents a return to public service, though in a different capacity than her years in the Legislature. For Kotek, it marks a willingness to appoint even former rivals when their expertise can serve the state.
With OHSU facing both financial uncertainty and groundbreaking opportunity, Johnson’s straight-talking style will now be tested in a new arena — one that could help shape Oregon’s health care future for decades to come.
