Mattson and board members from community colleges throughout the state were honored during the Howard Cherry Awards Ceremony on Nov. 6. The Howard Cherry Awards honor and celebrate the contributions that local community college advocates, administrators and board members have made to the benefit of community colleges.

"Annette is a tireless advocate for community colleges and our students. We are proud and fortunate for the leadership and experience that she and the rest of our dedicated board members bring to the table in support of our students," said MHCC President Lisa Skari.

Mattson was elected to MHCC’s Board of Education in 2017 and represents Zone 4 in the college’s district. She served as the president of the OCCA for the 2019-2020 academic year and remains active with the organization as the chair of the OCCA Legislative Advisory Committee and a member of the Executive and Membership committees.

“I have a passion for education because it is the means by which people can improve their lives, take care of their families and achieve their dreams,” she said.

Mattson said her passion for education began because of her mother, who was a first-generation student and went on to become a nurse, changing the future of their family.

Mattson went back to school as an adult with a job and two small children, aiming to provide a better future for her daughters. She has been involved with the education system from the time her children were in preschool and beyond, including 18 years on the David Douglas School Board and seven years with the Oregon School Board Association Board.

An alumna of MHCC herself, Mattson said she is committed to keeping students at the heart of all of the college’s activities.

“The most important thing to me is to ensure that our college is a student-centered organization with equitable outcomes,” she said.

Mattson also said she hopes to continue to work with her fellow board members on creating a strong connection between the college and the communities it serves, as well as passing a bond measure.

Mattson is the second member of her family to be recognized for her dedication to the advancement of Oregon’s community colleges. Her husband, Rep. Jeff Reardon, was the recipient of the Outstanding Community College Advocate Award in 2019.