Diane Watson was sworn into office at the Chemeketa Board of Education meeting Wednesday night to represent Zone 6 of the college district.  The Board appointed Watson to fill the vacancy created when her husband, Gerald Watson, passed away in September.

Watson has over 30 years of experience working in community colleges, including serving as dean of student services at Linn-Benton Community College for 11 years before her retirement in 2007.

“We are delighted to welcome Diane to our board,” said JoAnne Beilke, Chemeketa Board of Education chairperson. “Her experience as a community college executive will make a great contribution.”

Zone 6 of Chemeketa’s service district encompasses the northern portion of Keizer and north Marion County, including the communities of Woodburn, Mt. Angel and Aurora. Watson will hold the appointed position on the board through June 30, 2013.  The position will be up for election in May 2013.