Sams named to St. Anthony Foundation board

By Terry Murry on Tuesday, August 18th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories

PENDLETON – The St. Anthony Hospital Foundation has selected Chuck Sams of Pendleton to join its board of directors. The board meets regularly to provide strategic direction and fundraising support for the foundation.

Sams is the former director of the National Park Service. He now serves on the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, is a senior fellow with the Native Environmental Sovereignty Project at the University of Oregon, and director of indigenous programs at Yale University’s Center for Environmental Justice. He also serves on several other nonprofit boards. He is also a former executive for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, of which he is an enrolled member.

“I believe rural hospitals are integral to the health and welfare of communities,” Sams said in a news release. “St. Anthony Hospital Foundation raises funds to support and build a healthy and happy community in Eastern Oregon.”

Foundation Director Emily Smith said that the hospital is excited to welcome Sams to the board.

“Mr. Sams’ level of experience, commitment to the wellbeing of our communities, and dedication to our mission make him an outstanding asset to our foundation,” she stated.

File photo of Chuck Sams