State Representative Jean Cowan

Jean Cowan is a life-long Oregonian and was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives in 2006 with over 20 years of experience in local government public service.  She was re-elected in 2008 to a second term.

During her first term, Jean brought her experience as a Lincoln County Commissioner for 12 years and as Elgin Mayor and City Councilor to the state legislative process.  She authored legislation to protect Oregon’s innovative long-term care system for seniors and people with disabilities and was appointed to chair the House Human Services & Women's Wellness Subcommittee on Seniors & People with Disabilities in 2008.

During the 2009 Legislative Session, Jean served as chair of the House Committee on Veterans & Emergency Services. She also served on three other House committees – Land Use, Consumer Protection, and Human Services, and continued her work with senior issues, as well.

During the 2009-2010 interim between legislative sessions, Jean continues to chair the House Committee on Veterans & Emergency Services. She also serves on both the Human Services and Consumer Protection & Government Accountability interim committees, as well as the Governor's Council on Alcohol & Drug Abuse Programs, Governor's Commission on Senior Services, Governor's Homeland Security Council, and the Women Veterans Task Force.

While serving as Lincoln County Commissioner, Jean was appointed by two Governors to the Oregon Seismic Safety Policy Advisory Council, the Oregon Health Council, the Oregon Public Health Advisory Board, and other advisory bodies.  Jean also worked extensively with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters to produce in-depth studies on education policy, and she served on the bipartisan Board of Directors for both the League of Oregon Cities and the Association of Oregon Counties.

Jean holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational communication from Marylhurst College and has worked as a medical assistant, emergency medical technician, newspaper editor, and school bus driver.   In other community service, Jean led the restructuring of Elgin’s volunteer ambulance service and rural health clinic, and has taken leadership roles on a variety of collaborative, coalition-building community efforts. Jean lives in Newport with her husband Pat, who is a retired educator.  They have two grown children and three grandchildren.  Jean and Pat enjoy attending community events, traveling, playing with their two dogs, and boating.