Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: Feb. 1, 2007
CONTACT: David Leslie, (503) 221-1054

Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon names Kevin Finney to lead public policy advocacy work

Kevin Finney has been named Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon’s (EMO) new public policy director. He began his new role on Jan. 4, 2007. He succeeds Phillip Kennedy-Wong, who is now serving as senior public affairs coordinator for Metro.

Finney has a long history of environmental and social justice advocacy. In recent years, he has served as political director with the Oregon League of Conservation Voters, California outreach coordinator with the Union of Concerned Scientists and climate change program director with the Coalition for Clean Air. He has also worked as field director with Californians Working Together to End Hunger and Homelessness and as a campaign manager or field coordinator on countless electoral campaigns. He has experience in strategic campaign planning, public policy advocacy and grassroots organizing.

Finney has a bachelor’s in history from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a master’s in political science from Kent State University. He has also taught courses in public law and political science at University of California, Santa Cruz and at Occidental College. He lives with his wife Susan and two sons, Harrison and Davis.

“I cherish this opportunity to work with religious and community leaders throughout Oregon on behalf of social justice for Oregonians in need,” said Finney. “I believe our community is measured by our ability to offer real hope, assistance and opportunity to those who are struggling to provide food, shelter, education and health care for their families.”

EMO advocates in communities statewide to engage people of faith in developing public policies that ensure equity and justice for all Oregonians. EMO's current public policy priorities include policies concerning tax and economic fairness, health care, affordable housing, hunger prevention, preserving and protecting the environment, human and civil rights of all people, and separation of church and state.

Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon is a statewide association of Christian denominations—including Protestant, Roman Catholic and Orthodox bodies—congregations, ecumenical organizations and interfaith partners working together to improve the lives of Oregonians through community ministry programs, ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue, environmental ministry and public policy advocacy.

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