The Portland Community College Board of Directors has named its chair and vice chair for the coming board terms. Lake Oswego resident Denise Frisbee, the former vice chairwoman, has been named chairwoman of the board, and Deanna Palm has been named the new vice chairwoman.

Their duties and terms begin immediately. The PCC Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the budget and overall policy direction of the college.

“I am looking forward to a busy year for PCC board, continuing our efforts to ensure and expand access to training and affordable post secondary education for our students, while boosting our success rates so that our students can be ready to transfer to four-year universities or find the better paying job for which they have sought training,” Frisbee said. “This year we also face the significant tasks of selecting a new college president who will come on board next year, while staying focused on the evolving statewide restructuring of the pre-K-20 public education system — all this within a climate of reduced state financial support. There is lots to do, but we have a great team to work with and are excited about tackling our challenges.”

Frisbee is an attorney and retired director of planning and building services for the city of Lake Oswego. She has an extensive community service background, including serving as board liaison for Portland Community College’s 2008 bond campaign.

Frisbee has been a member of the Oregon State Bar since 1976. She has worked as an attorney and consultant for the Natural Resources Law Institute, assistant counsel for the Multnomah County Counsel’s Office, assistant attorney for the city of Portland Attorney’s Office, land use hearings officer for Deschutes County, city attorney for Sisters, a consultant on projects for the Metropolitan Service District, TriMet and the Lake Oswego School District and has worked with several private practices.

Frisbee earned a law degree from Lewis and Clark Law School and a bachelor’s degree from Smith College in Massachusetts. Elected to the PCC board in 2005 and 2009, she represents Zone 1.