Jackson County Clerk Chris Walker has been elected Secretary of the Board of Advisors for the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC).

The EAC is an independent, bipartisan commission whose mission is to help election officials improve the administration of elections and help Americans participate in the voting process. Its four commissioners are appointed by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

The EAC’s Board of Advisors is a 35-member board composed of representatives appointed by members of Congress, federal agencies, and national organizations, including the National Association of State Election Directors and the National Association of Secretaries of State. It serves as an advisory body to the EAC on implementation and best practices of the Help America Vote Act (or HAVA) of 2002.

“Chris has years of experience in representing Oregon as a leader among elections officials,” said Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade. “Her recent election to Secretary of the EAC Board of Advisors is just the latest example of public servants serving Oregon in prestigious roles. Congratulations to Chris on her election! All Oregonians benefit from her example of leadership and public service.”

“Chris joins Harney County Clerk Dag Robinson as yet another outstanding example of Oregon elections officials being represented at the national level,” said Tracie Krevanko, President of the Oregon Association of County Clerks (OACC). “As former president of the OACC, Chris knows first-hand the unique value and expertise our state can provide as leaders in vote by mail and automatic voter registration. Oregonians are voters and it’s great to share our experience with the rest of the country.”

“Serving the people of Jackson County has been a passion of mine for decades and it’s part of my family’s legacy,” Walker said. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to expand that service beyond Jackson County to all of Oregon, and represent our State’s commitment to protecting elections and the democratic process.”

Walker was appointed Jackson County Clerk in November 2008 and has been re-elected in every election since. She has more than 29 years of experience in both the elections and recording programs for Jackson County. In addition to her role on the Board of Advisors, has previously served as President of the OACC and President of the International Association of Government Officials. She graduated from Phoenix High School in 1984, where she served as Senior Class President.