Dr. Maureen Reed, a former University of Minnesota regent and currently the executive director of the Nobel Peace Prize Forum, has been elected the volunteer national chair of the University’s Alumni Association, the University announced Friday.

She will assume her duties on July 1.

Reed ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination in Congress in the 6th District last year. Presidential hopeful Michele Bachmann, R-Stillwater, defeated Tarryl Clark in that race after Reed dropped out.

She also ran for Lt. Governor in 2008 alongside Peter Hutchinson on the Independence Party ticket.

Reed served on the Board of Regents from 1997-2005, and held the chair for two years.