News

(Portland, Ore.) July 29, 2009 – PortlandStateUniversity is proud to announce the appointment of Lois Davis as chief of staff to PSU President, Wim Wiewel. Davis, currently the vice president of public affairs for Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), will start at PortlandState on August 3.

 As chief of staff, Davis will report directly to President Wiewel and will help implement executive level projects and policies that further the mission, vision, and values of the University.

“Lois brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in building effective partnerships with all levels of government and the community,” said President Wiewel. “She will be a great addition to PortlandState as we forge even stronger links with the city and the region we serve.”

Davis has worked in public affairs for OHSU since 1987. She was named vice president of public affairs in 2000 and managed the communications, community relations, government relations and marketing activities of Portland’s largest employer and Oregon’s only health sciences university.

“Lois has been tireless in her work and advocacy for OHSU over the years,” said OHSU President Joe Robertson. “She has helped OHSU become a trusted and respected partner throughout the state.”

At OHSU, Davis helped with OHSU’s transition from the Oregon University System to a public corporation in 1995. She was part of the team that developed and won approval for the Oregon Opportunity, a $500 million public and private investment to make OHSU a leading research university. She has developed statewide community engagement campaigns, worked for increased funding for the development of the healthcare workforce and helped win approval for the Portland Aerial Tram, a catalyst for South Waterfront development.

Before working for OHSU, Davis served as the chief of staff to Oregon Congressman Ron Wyden. As the top aide to the congressman, she developed and executed legislative initiatives and constituency services while overseeing all staff and general office functions.

About PortlandStateUniversity

Portland State University (PSU) serves as a center of opportunity for over 27,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Located in Portland, Oregon, one of the nation’s most livable cities, the University’s innovative approach to education combines academic rigor in the classroom with field-based experiences through internships and classroom projects with community partners. The University’s 49-acre downtown campus exhibits PortlandState’s commitment to sustainability with green buildings, while many of the 125 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees incorporate sustainability into the curriculum. PSU’s motto, “Let Knowledge Serve the City,” inspires the teaching and research of an accomplished faculty whose work and students span the globe.

About Oregon Health & Sciences University (OHSU)

Oregon HealthScienceUniversity is the state's only health and research university, and Oregon's only academic health center. OHSU is Portland's largest employer and the fourth largest in Oregon (excluding government). OHSU's size contributes to its ability to provide many services and community support activities not found anywhere else in the state. It serves patients from every corner of the state, and is a conduit for learning for more than 3,400 students and trainees. OHSU is the source of more than 200 community outreach programs that bring health and education services to every county in the state.