CORVALLIS, Ore. - Christi Kasten has been named interim executive director of the Oregon State University Alumni Association and director of the OSU Office of Alumni Relations.

She succeeds Jeff Todd, who announced his resignation last month to accept a position at the University of British Columbia.

Kasten has been associate director for operations and board relations for the OSU Alumni Association since September of 2009, and has been with the organization since 2005. She has led efforts to implement the association's strategic plan and keep OSU's more than 150,000 alumni connected to the university and to one another.

OSU President Edward J. Ray said Kasten's experience in operations management and board relations will help keep both the Alumni Association and the Alumni Relations office running smoothly.

"Christi Kasten has the experience and leadership to continue the momentum these organizations have created," Ray said. "She also will benefit from the invaluable guidance of the Alumni Association board and the exceptional staff in the Alumni Relations office."

Kasten earned a bachelor's degree in political science from OSU in 1986 and a master's degree in public administration from Portland State University in 1993. She lives in Corvallis with her husband, Jim Kasten.

The OSU Alumni Association is a member-based, nonprofit organization that promotes OSU and engages alumni. Its programs include a web site for alumni, the Oregon Stater magazine, an e-mail newsletter, regional activities, faculty lecture series, travel opportunities and other events. It is located in the CH2M-Hill Alumni Center, which also serves as a conference center.

Ray said the university will launch a national search for the position this fall.

Source: 

Todd Simmons, 541-737-0790

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