Hear directly from the members, leaders, and colleagues who know our work, share our values, and support our vision for a stronger ONA.
Travis Nelson, BSN, RN, BC
Oregon State Representative
I first met Richard over 2 years ago during the early days of my sponsorship of the landmark Safe Staffing Bill (2697) in the Oregon Legislature. Richard gave strong testimony in Salem why the law was imperative from the perspective of an experienced nurse. Since that time, Richard has also given testimony regarding the Workplace Violence Bill (2024). These Bills will promote and improve healthcare worker, patient, and community safety and improved care today and in the future.
Richard has shown by his actions that he is committed to these goals, and as his bio states, he is committed to fight for the safety, dignity, fair treatment, wages, healthcare and sick time that are healthcare workers due. For these reasons, I am endorsing Richard in his commitment to serve another term on the ONA Board of Directors as Treasurer.
Tami Cline, RN
ONA President
Chris Rompala listens, engages, and works tirelessly to ensure that every ONA members voice is respected and heard.
At a time when thoughtful, principled leadership is urgently needed, Chris stands out as someone who brings both vision and action. I am confident that he will serve with the dedication he has already proven.
For these reasons, I wholeheartedly endorse Chris and encourage others to join me in supporting him for ONA President.
Larlene Dunsmuir, DNP, FNP, ANP-BC
Member at Large
It is my honor to offer my support and endorsement to Chris Rompala for President of the Oregon Nurses Association. I have known Chris for the last decade and have found him to be a thoughtful leader. He continuously demonstrates his dedication and passion for the nursing profession, the rights of all healthcare workers, and the health and well- being of the communities we serve. Chris has worked diligently to grow as a professional nurse and a leader. He was a graduate of the ONA Nurse Leadership Institute and has held many other leadership positions. His expertise and leadership qualities have been recognized through receiving the Susan King Leadership Award.
As the Chairperson for the Nurse Practitioners of Oregon, I look forward to working with Chris as we continue to champion the nursing profession in all practice arenas. I believe that Chris will balance the many needs of ONA members and elevate the voices of both the union and professional association.
Rachel Scholz, BSN, RN, ONC
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I am proud to endorse Chris Rompala for President of our union. Chris is a proven leader who consistently shows up for our members, listens deeply, and isn’t afraid to take on the hard work required to protect and advance our rights. He brings integrity, transparency, and a steady commitment to strengthening our collective voice.
I believe Chris has the experience, vision, and courage we need to guide our union forward, and I’m confident he will lead with the values that matter most to frontline healthcare workers.
Carmen Henderson, PA-C
OHSU, Portland, Founding organizer of APU, APU bargaining team
I’m happy to endorse Chris Rompala for ONA President. When I was new to ONA and to unions in general, Chris offered support, guidance, and thoughtful advice that helped me navigate an entirely new and challenging landscape.
From day one, it was clear that he was looking out for us. His steady leadership and genuine consideration created an excellent introduction to union work, and I know he brings those same qualities to every challenge he faces. Chris is exactly the kind of leader ONA deserves.
Travis Nelson, BSN, RN, BC
Oregon State Representative
I wholeheartedly endorse Chris Rompala as the next President of the Oregon Nurses Association. I have known Chris for many years and have been present for his continued advocacy for nurses and nursing, both locally and nationally. He has testified for important nurse related bills moving through Salem, and has been an integral part of his leadership team at his Bargaining Unit.
Please join me in supporting and voting for Chris Rompala for President of the Oregon Nurses Association.
Natalie Weber, BSN, RN
I’m proud to endorse Breanna Zabel for Vice President of the Oregon Nurses Association. Breanna is one of the most grounded, principled, and member-centered leaders I’ve ever worked with. She doesn’t just talk about safe staffing, workplace safety, and transparency; she shows up, does the work, and stands with nurses in every setting, from the bedside to the bargaining table.
What sets Breanna apart is her integrity. She listens deeply, leads collaboratively, and makes decisions based on evidence, fairness, and what will truly strengthen our union. During the Providence Medford strike, she demonstrated extraordinary courage and strategy, keeping members informed, advocating relentlessly, and doing it all with humility and grit.
Breanna has a rare combination of real bedside experience, strong policy knowledge, and the ability to bring people together across roles, regions, and perspectives. She understands the challenges facing nurses statewide, and she has the vision and discipline to help move ONA forward.
ONA needs leaders who both fight for nurses and build the infrastructure that keeps us strong. Breanna is exactly that leader. I trust her judgment, her character, and her commitment to every ONA member across Oregon. I’m honored to support her candidacy.
I know that a vote for Bre is a vote for ME!
Jodi Wallis, ARNP, PNP
I am writing this in support of Michelle Chau, LPN, BS. There is no other person who can do a better job as ONA's board of directors: Allied Health Worker.
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I have known and worked with Michelle for over 15 years. She works tirelessly to
support the nursing staff and allied clinicians. Her knowledge of labor relations and
workers' rights is amazing. She has a unique perspective as she is also a strong patient
advocate in her daily clinic work.'
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Anyone who meets Michelle can instantly see her enthusiasm, passion, and dedication
to the ONA union and the impact they make in the working environment of so many
Oregonians.
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It is without hesitation that I highly recommend Michelle Chau for Allied Health Worker.
K. Logan Rathman, RN, BSN
Michelle Chau is a dedicated nurse who consistently upholds the highest standard of safety, setting firm boundaries to protect both patients and staff. Her steadfast
advocacy for her fellow nurses shows her commitment to creating healthier, safer
working environments.
ONA would greatly benefit from her integrity, leadership, and unwavering focus on what truly matters in nursing.
Jessica Reed, RN, CMSRN
With a rapidly expanding ONA membership in an anti-union political climate unsupportive of the working class it’s vital that we vote for a candidate capable of strong leadership, so I’ll be voting for Chris Rompala for ONA President. Chris is a tireless and effective advocate for our local union members as well as workers across the state. He devotes a significant amount of time and effort every day to our bargaining unit as the current Chair of SHMC - Riverbend, while also serving on the ONA Board of Directors and as a delegate for AFT and Oregon AFL-CIO.
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As a member of the SHMC - Riverbend Executive Committee, I especially appreciate Chris’s thoughtful leadership. He seeks out new ideas and perspectives, weighs the alternatives, and considers possible outcomes in every decision we make as a team.
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Whether it’s supporting a strike line, attending a rally, meeting with elected officials at the state and federal level, making midnight rounds at Riverbend to chat with night shift staff or answering questions at our monthly gatherings, he is constantly working on building a stronger union. Chris is genuinely committed to serving all ONA members and improving the lives and working conditions for us all.
Please join me in supporting Chris Rompala for ONA President.
Kevyn Paul BSN, RN, CEN
I am pleased to endorse Chris Rompala for the position of president of the Oregon Nurses Association. As a long time member of the ONA Sacred Heart Medical Center executive team, I have known him since he joined that team in 2019. It has been a pleasure to watch Chris grow in his various leadership roles.
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First as a member and then as chair of the executive team, Chris has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to advocacy for all nurse members as well as their patients and the community at large. His advocacy has extended beyond the local bargaining unit to standing up for nurses and other union workers across the state and speaking out against workplace bullying in a national setting. Chris has regularly shown up on strike lines, at informational pickets and many other labor actions in solidarity with the affected workers.
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In his local leadership role, Chris goes out of his way to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard. He has been instrumental in implementing a variety of activities in the bargaining unit intended to improve interaction and communication within the membership including monthly solidarity socials and regular rounding on all shifts by members of the executive team.
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In our current adversarial climate, ONA needs leaders who display strong advocacy and innovative skills. I am confident in Chris’ ability to provide the guidance and stewardship that the role of ONA president demands. I urge you to elect Chris Rompala to the office of ONA President in 2026.
Faith Dunn, BSN, RN
Chris Rompala would make an excellent ONA president. In the time I’ve worked with him, he has proven to be reliable, honest, passionate and very capable in all that he puts his mind to.
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He is a nurses nurse and a nurse for the people. Having a nurse that is confident, strong and caring like Chris in a position of power such as ONA president will bring positive change and I have no doubt he will be an exceptional leader that people can rely on.
Joshua Holt, BSN, RN
As an ONA member in the At-Large constituency, I am glad to endorse the Stronger Together ticket for ONA. I have been on picket lines with Chris, Richard, and Virginia—- theirs, mine, and others. I have served as a delegate to ANA with Linda, and on the Health Policy cabinet with Linda and Francis. I have watched the processes these candidates have taken to come to their decisions and without a doubt, I know that this slate understands what our statewide organization exists for— improving patient care, improving health care working conditions, evidence-based reasoning, growing worker power, community organizing, and making a real difference in people’s lives. I have seen their leadership for years move us into an organization fighting for the things I believe in and building the relationships to get them across the finish line. This team has my endorsement and support and I look forward to voting for the Stronger Together slate in this election.
Ruby Bikszer, RN
Because with our unity, we are stronger together! Nurses must Unite!!
Melissa Lepschat, BSN, RN, CNOR
I have worked with Chris Rompala in the operating room for many years. His dedication to patient care is evident and his understanding that supporting nurses is the way to better patient care! I’m looking forward to his continued advocacy for nurses that makes for a better healthcare system for our community, and accountability from our healthcare companies.