Gov. Christine Gregoire named a Valley Medical Center manager to the Renton Technical College Board of Trustees.

Cathy McAbee is the manager of the Valley Family Medicine Clinic and has been a registered nurse for about 30 years.

The selection strengthens the school’s relationship with the medical center.

“I’m really looking forward to working with the president and the board,” she said.

Working at Valley Medical for about 20 years, she has worked with several students from Renton Technical College.

“I mentored a lot of young employees,” she said. “Ever since I’ve worked here that has been my goal, to get younger people into health care.”

Although this will be her first time serving at the college, it fits her passion.

“Education in general has been a fundamental principle in my life,” she said.

A Renton resident, recently she has been heavily involved with RotaCare, a free clinic.

She’s also volunteered with the Renton River Days and Kent Cornucopia Days.

Community involvement is important for a trustee, she said.

Growing up in the area, she received her master’s degree at City University.

She has two children and is married to Pat McAbee.

McAbee replaces Renton City Council member Rich Zwicker who stepped down this winter.