Oregon AFL-CIO hires first full-time organizer, names research director

SALEM — The Oregon AFL-CIO has named Patty Wentz its new Research and Education director and hired Matt Swanson as its first full-time organizer.

Wentz served as communications director for the state labor federation’s 2004 political campaign. Before joining Labor 2004, Wentz was the communications director for the Voter Education Project. Prior to that she was a reporter for Willamette Week newspaper in Portland and KLCC Public Radio in Eugene.

Swanson comes to the Oregon AFL-CIO from United Food and Commercial Workers Local 555, where he was the political coordinator. He is a “born and raised” Oregonian, who has been working in labor and politics for the past three years. “I am honored to have the opportunity to work with affiliated unions on achieving a voice at work for more Oregon workers,” he said. “Having seen the success of our Labor 2004 program, I know that Oregon’s unions can come together and build a bigger, better and more powerful labor movement.”

“The Labor 2004 campaign was amazing,” added Wentz. “After meeting so many wonderful people and working together so closely it was impossible to think about leaving. I’m very excited to continue working on educating the public and policy-makers on labor’s issues.”

© Oregon Labor Press Publishing Co. Inc.