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Ongoing vandalism since Musk began advising Trump This photo provided by Tigard Police Department shows the boarded-up windows of a Tesla Dealership in Tigard, Ore., Thursday, March 13, 2025, after gunshots were fired for the second time in one week. (Tigard Police Department via AP) AP- Gunshots were fired at a Tesla dealership in Oregon on Thursday for the second time in a week in ongoing vandalism and protests around the country since CEO Elon Musk became a key figure in the Trump administration. Around 4:15 a.m., more than a dozen shots were fired around the electric vehicle dealership in the Portland suburb of Tigard, according to the Tigard Police Department. The shooting caused extensive damage to cars and showroom windows, police said. No one was hurt. A similar shooting happened on March 6 at the same location. Police said they continue to work with federal partners at the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives to thoroughly investigate. An ATF explosive detection dog has been used after both shootings to help search for shell casings, police said. Tesla has been a target for demonstrations and vandalism in the U.S. and elsewhere this year. People have protested Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, which has been moving to slash the size of the federal government. Police said over the weekend that six Tesla Cybertrucks at a dealership in the Seattle suburb of Lynnwood were spray painted with swastikas and profanity directed at Musk, KING-TV reported. On Sunday, four Cybertrucks were destroyed in a blaze in Seattle, but investigators have not said if the fire, or fires, were intentionally set. On Tuesday, the Seattle Police Department said it was working with federal partners to investigate the incident. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he was buying a new Tesla to show his support for Musk as the billionaire’s company struggles with sagging sales and declining stock prices.

Extensive leadership experience and a deep commitment to community service Maree Wacker as its next President and Chief Executive Officer Volunteers of America Oregon (VOA Oregon) is pleased to announce the appointment of Maree Wacker as its next President and Chief Executive Officer. Wacker brings extensive leadership experience and a deep commitment to community service, making her well-positioned to lead the organization into its next phase of growth and impact.   Following an extensive nationwide search that included input from VOA Oregon staff and stakeholders, Wacker emerged as the clear choice among more than 130 candidates. She succeeds Kay Toran, who has served as VOA Oregon’s esteemed leader for over 25 years. Toran has been instrumental in shaping the organization’s mission-driven work, expanding programs, and strengthening community partnerships. “We are thrilled to welcome Maree as the next President and CEO of Volunteers of America Oregon,” said Bruce Warner, Chair of the VOA Oregon Board of Directors. “Her impressive leadership experience, vision for the future, and deep commitment to serving the most vulnerable members of our community make her the perfect fit for this role. We are confident she will build upon Kay Toran’s remarkable legacy and continue advancing our mission.”   Wacker most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Fora Health, where she led the organization’s rebranding from DePaul Treatment Centers and oversaw the development of a state-of-the-art facility focused on whole-person care. Prior to her tenure at Fora Health, she held leadership roles with the American Red Cross, including serving as Chief Executive Officer (Cascades Region) and Chief Development & Marketing Officer. Her experience in nonprofit leadership, strategic development, and program expansion will be invaluable as VOA Oregon continues its work in providing life-changing services to individuals and families in need.   “Learning more about VOA Oregon throughout the search process has been a privilege,” said Wacker. “I have been deeply impressed by the organization's impact on the lives of Oregonians and the incredible dedication of this team. I am honored to follow in the footsteps of a true Oregon leader, Kay Toran, and I look forward to working alongside VOA Oregon’s talented staff, partners, and supporters to strengthen our programs and expand our reach.”   Kay Toran expressed her support for Wacker’s leadership, stating, “Maree will be joining a highly skilled and dedicated team at VOA Oregon. I am excited to see how the organization continues to grow and evolve under her leadership.” For more information about Volunteers of America Oregon and its programs, visit www.voaor.org .

A dedicated community leader just one of 81 people to receive honor Former Unitus Community Credit Union Board Chair, Barbara J. Leonard, has been inducted posthumously into the AACUC Hall of Fame. This distinguished honor recognizes the contributions to the credit union community. Ms. Leonard is one of just 81 individuals to receive this honor.   The induction ceremony, held in Washington, D.C., brought more than 400 people together to honor and recognize people who have contributed to the credit union movement by providing access to financial capital for African Americans and majority-ethnic communities. A Unitus delegation attended the ceremony, alongside Ms. Leonard’s family. Her daughter, Serena Ashley, accepted the recognition on her behalf.   “Barbara Leonard was more than a leader. She was a wife, a mother, a mentor, and a friend,” said Unitus President and CEO, Steven Stapp, during his introductory remarks. “Her legacy isn’t measured in titles or accolades but in the countless lives she touched and the doors she opened for future generations.”   Ms. Leonard served more than 20 years on the Unitus Community Credit Union Board, becoming its first female chair. Born in Portland, Oregon, she earned a business degree from the University of Oregon and spent 30 years at U.S. West Communications. A dedicated community leader, she was a prominent member of The Links, raising more than $500,000 for educational scholarships; she also volunteered with the Urban League of Portland. Ms. Leonard was active in Maranatha Church. Known for her mentorship and passion for helping others, Leonard passed away in 2012 at age 65, leaving a legacy as a devoted wife, mother, and community advocate.   Unitus has established a scholarship in Ms. Leonard’s name. Applications for the Barbara Leonard Memorial Scholarship are due March 31, 2025. Ms. Leonard was one of five individuals inducted into the 2025 AACUC Hall of Fame Class. Other honorees include: Tony LaDarryl Black, Sr. (posthumously), President/CEO, Baylor College of Medicine Federal Credit Union; Harold Roundtree, President/CEO, UNCLE Credit Union; Girado Smith, President/CEO, Educational Systems Federal Credit Union; and Pearl Wicks, Chief Retail Officer, Hope Credit Union.

Williams & Russell CDC Recaps Historic Groundbreaking Event Williams & Russell Breaks Ground in Historic Albina on February 28th (Photo Courtesy of EARLY PR) On Friday, February 28, 2025, the last day of Black history month, Williams & Russell broke ground on a 1.7-acre site at North Russell Street and North Williams Avenue, which has remained vacant for over 50 years. The $120M Williams & Russell reparative development project will breathe new life into what was once Portland’s Black cultural and economic hub. Williams & Russell CDC was grateful to receive support from over 150 attendees, representing many of Portland’s development and housing organizations including the Governor’s Office of Oregon and Portland’s Black community leaders. Organizations in attendance included Portland Housing Bureau, Portland Housing Center, Portland Community Reinvestment Initiatives, Prosper Portland, Colas Construction, Adre, LEVER Architecture, and many more. This three-pronged project will include 85 affordable one- to three-bedroom units, a cultural-specific daycare, 20 townhomes for ownership, and a 30,000-square-foot Business Hub to support entrepreneurs, workforce development and community organizations. The event featured powerful remarks from several influential community leaders and dignitaries, with Governor Tina Kotek (D-OR) delivering a notable address supporting the project. Her presence underscored the significance of this historic development. “It's uniquely special to be here on the last day of Black History Month, celebrating a project that will help to repair past injustices,” said Governor Kotek. “The plans set for this project are inspiring. They include housing development and a Black business hub. The people who brought us here today saw an opportunity to house their neighbors, uplift the community, and provide a pathway to prosperity.” Long-time congressional supporters such as Senator Lew Frederick and Representative Travis Nelson were also in attendance and provided remarks regarding the importance of the project. “This is a bridge. We will keep moving forward, making changes, and putting things together. I want to celebrate the bridge,” said Senator Frederick.” I want to celebrate our ability to get things done. And you all have been a part of that. I want to thank you so much.” “Like all of you, I see the Williams and Russell project is more than just development. This is about restorative justice for black communities in North and Northeast Portland and bringing accessible home ownership, affordable apartments, a business hub, and a plaza that will uplift and empower the community,” said Representative Travis Nelson. “I'm especially proud to support the funding for the Business Hub and this legislative session, because Economic Opportunity is a critical piece of justice.” Williams & Russell was also honored to have community leader, Paul Knauls in attendance. A former business owner and activist for the Albina region. Paul Kanuls: “I'm happy about this project. I've driven by year after year after year. I had a business in this area, but I think of the pharmacy, Billy's Cleaners, Lou's Men's Shop, and Sally's Restaurant. They were all located right on the corner over there. It made it great.” Quotes from Key Williams & Russell Board Members and Personnel: “As a participating partner tasked and privileged to provide support to the future homeowners of the project, I ask the community to empower them,” said Dana Fuller Shephard, Executive Director of Portland Housing Center and Williams & Russell Board Member. “I also ask for grace and patience as they become first-time, and in some cases, first-generation homeowners, preparing to return to a community that caused harm to their families and ancestors.” “Our people understand – the folk gathered here today understand – that the act of building is a generational responsibility. A steadfast commitment to the boundless potential of a future that can only be crafted through heart and human hands,” said JT Flowers, Director of Communications and Government Affairs at Albina Vision Trust and Board Chair of Williams & Russell CDC. “But above all else, what we are building is a testament to permanence. A testament to the unwavering faith of an unbreakable people.” “The project working group was first convened in January 2018, we formed the Williams & Russell CDC from the project working group in 2021 and we have been working nonstop for over 7 years to make this project a reality,” said Bryson Davis, Founder of Principia Law, member of the original project working group and Williams & Russell CDC President. “Seven years. That is just a drop in the bucket compared to how long the community has waited. 50 years. Five decades this block has been an empty hole in our city grid. That ends today.” “This project is a testament to what is possible when a community refuses to be forgotten, when history is honored, and when justice is more than just a word—it is action,” said Azalea Renfield, CEO/Executive Director of Williams & Russell CDC. “But our work does not end here. Today, we break ground not only on buildings but on a renewed commitment to equity, resilience, and opportunity for generations to come.” “It has been a long journey to get here today and many, many people have been involved, from the original project working group to its various iterations to today’s Williams and Russell CDC,” said Karis Stoudamire- Phillips, Vice President of DEI and Community Initiatives at Moda Health, Vice Chair of the Williams & Russell Board and historically connected community member. “It has been ALL of our unwavering collective perseverance, genuine love for our community, personal convictions and heartfelt desire for healing, even for 1.7 acres, that has pushed us to today’s groundbreaking.”

Bringing over 20 years of health care leadership and management James Schroeder President and CEO of Cascadia Health Cascadia Health , an organization rooted in community behavioral health that serves as a leading provider of integrated Whole Health in the Portland-metro region, announced James Schroeder as President and Chief Executive Officer following a national search. Schroeder, who has served as Cascadia’s Deputy CEO since last October, will officially assume the role on March 17, 2025.   “We are thrilled to welcome James as Cascadia’s new CEO. From a deep pool of highly qualified candidates, James stood out for his vast experience, energy, and deep commitment to our community,” said Steve Jaggers, Chair of Cascadia Health’s Board of Directors. “His extensive background, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to advancing behavioral health make him the leader to guide Cascadia into a bright and dynamic future.”   Schroeder brings over 20 years of health care leadership, management, and service to Cascadia Health, which provides a comprehensive range of evidence-based services to children, families, and adults. Every year, more than 18,000 people across the Portland-metro region access vital services through Cascadia, including mental health, addiction treatment, primary care, housing, crisis intervention, peer services, wellness support, and more.   “Stepping into the role of CEO at Cascadia Health is both an honor and a personal commitment,” said Schroeder. “Every day, Cascadia makes a profound difference in the lives of those facing complex challenges. Together, we will continue to support access to whole-person care, ensuring that everyone receives the support they deserve. I look forward to collaborating with our dedicated team, community, and state partners.” Schroeder started his career as a primary care provider in underserved rural Idaho and Nevada. He brings deep community experience as a clinician and leader in Federally Qualified Health Centers and is the founder and previous Chief Executive Officer of the Portland area Neighborhood Health Center and served as CEO and Medical Director for Family Health Services in Idaho.   Additionally, Schroeder is currently a medical officer in the Oregon Air National Guard, serving as the Deputy Commander of the 142nd Medical Group on the Portland Air National Guard Base.   “James is a steadfast community leader who understands the dynamics of complex organizations and population health challenges,” said Andy Mendenhall, President and CEO for Central City Concern, an organization with a long history of supporting the Portland community through housing, health, recovery, and job support. “His commitment to building an organization centered around serving individuals living with complex needs is vital for Portland and our state. CCC and I look forward to a meaningful partnership.”   Schroeder’s commitment to serving the community stems from lived experience and personal background. Adopted at an early age, he strives to honor his Latino heritage as a bilingual provider and use his skills in a way that match his passion for community need.   Schroeder will succeed Derald Walker, who is retiring after serving Cascadia for the past 17 years. “James is the dedicated and well-rounded leader Cascadia needs,” said Walker. “As I step down from my role, I’m confident that under his leadership, the organization will continue to flourish, building on Cascadia’s legacy of compassion, innovation, and unwavering service to the Whole Health of our community.”

The story of Marilyn Monroe’s life from a new perspective A World Premiere by Dani Rowe, Oregon Ballet Theatre Artistic Director, Marilyn Viewing Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe Series in the personal collection of noted Portland philanthropist Jordan Schnitzer inspired OBT Artistic Director Dani Rowe’s new full-length ballet Marilyn . The world premiere ballet tells the story of Marilyn Monroe’s life from a new perspective. The initial idea for Marilyn took root during a conversation between Dani Rowe and frequent collaborator, costume designer Emma Kingsbury after Marilyn Monroe’s iconic “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” dress was worn to the Met Gala in 2022. In considering Marilyn’s lasting cultural impact, the idea of making a Marilyn ballet surfaced and sparked excitement. “How could a ballet capture Marilyn’s layers?” Rowe asked herself. “Her glamour, vulnerability, and myth?” Then, shortly after joining Oregon Ballet Theatre in 2023, Rowe had dinner with Portland philanthropist, Jordan Schnitzer. Schnitzer, who has been named an ARTnews  Top 200 art collector globally, is a lifelong Portland resident, local business owner and Oregon’s foremost fine art collector. Schnitzer spoke about his Andy Warhol collection and shared his insights into Warhol’s fascination with celebrity culture, particularly his Marilyn Monroe series. Schnitzer extended an invitation to view these prints up close and share more about Warhol’s screen-printing process. “Seeing Warhol’s Marilyns up close deepened my understanding of his work and its resonance with Marilyn’s story,” says Rowe. “The vibrant prints captured her public image, while the imperfections hinted at the vulnerability beneath. This duality inspired the emotional core of the ballet: the tension between performance and authenticity, between image and reality.” Rowe also found thematic inspiration in Warhol’s Marilyn Diptych , which juxtaposes colorful images of Marilyn with fading, black-and-white versions. This contrast speaks to the duality of her persona — the radiant star and the woman struggling with inner demons. The juxtaposition of brightness and darkness became central to the ballet’s narrative. “When Dani Rowe visited The Schnitzer Collection, she saw one of our Andy Warhol screenprints of Marilyn Monroe. I could see the sheer captivating intensity of the moment! Later, she called and asked what I thought of her creating a ballet called Marilyn. I thought it was a spectacular idea and now all of us can experience how one artist inspired another to create a magical performance! Thank you, Andy Warhol and thank you, Dani Rowe!”   Marilyn represents many firsts for Oregon Ballet Theatre. It is the first full length ballet for Artistic Director Dani Rowe and was created in association with the Estate of Marilyn Monroe, LLC. Marilyn also marks OBT’s first co-production. “Dani has a great sense of story, an imagination that feeds unique movement, and a talent to create a choreography that inherently tells the story.  We love that Dani is open to new ideas and generous in her creative collaboration,” said Scenic and Lighting Designer David Finn. “Marilyn was so much more than the icon that we know.”   The show runs from April 4 - 13, 2025 at the Newmark Theatre 1111 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205. Tickets start at $32 and can be purchased at obt.org

Eight new Ridgefield-based classes as part of the college’s expansion into north Clark County Clark College's newest satellite campus at Boschma Farms, Ridgefield Starting this April, Clark College will host eight new Ridgefield-based classes as part of the college’s expansion into north Clark County. Six of the classes will be held in the recently completed Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC) building at Clark’s newest satellite campus at Boschma Farms, 7000 E. Pioneer Street, Ridgefield, Wash. Two “Learn with a winemaker” series will be hosted by local Ridgefield wineries, Confluence and Columbia Ridge.    Considered a soft launch this April, these classes are only the beginning of plans for an official opening for this Fall term, which starts September 22, 2025. When fully operational, the AMC facility will serve as a state-of-the-art cornerstone for technical education, community development, and preparing students for the demands of the modern workforce.   “We are excited to test out this new facility for the Spring term,” said Clark’s Vice President of Operations, Sabra Sand. “Right now, we are putting the final finishing touches on the new building, including the delivery and set up of furniture and equipment and the finalization of IT and security systems, and more.”    When ready, the Ridgefield campus will also have meeting spaces and conference rooms that will soon be available as rental options for the Ridgefield community for gathering and community-building.   Fall’s offering of classes is anticipated to include an expanded list of community and continuing education (CCE) courses, general education classes, plus an advanced manufacturing program which is currently under development. Five general education classrooms and one computer lab will be able to accommodate a future capacity to serve up to 1,200 students per term.   Enrolled students can already register for these two Spring for-credit general education classes Environmental Biology and College Algebra   Six non-credit community and continuing education courses will be open for all community members to  register online  at www.clark.edu/cce/ starting March 10.  Learn with a Winemaker – Columbia Ridge Winery, 1 session on 4/18 ($55) Salmon at Risk: Understanding the PNW Crisis – 2 weeks, starting 4/21 ($49) Weather 101 – 5 weeks, starting 5/7 ($109) Civics: Hot Topics — 1 session on 5/13 ($25) Chinook: Walking with our Ancestors – 5 weeks, starting 5/14 ($109) Learn with a Winemaker – Confluence Winery, 1 session on 5/18 ($55)

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Action packed games ahead Portland Remix's Bryce McGowens high fiving teammates. Photo Courtesy of RipCityRemix.com The Rip City Remix, the G League affiliate of the Portland Trail Blazers, are closing out the regular season in style with action-packed home games in March. From high-energy theme nights to exciting giveaways and fan-favorite experiences, there is something for everyone at Chiles Center. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the fun!   Get ready for a tropical takeover at the Chiles Center on Wednesday, March 5, at 6:30 p.m. as the Remix face off against Mexico City Capitanes. Fans can enjoy a Luau party and Bingo Night, with chances to win exciting prizes during timeouts. Collect a free bingo card at entry and take advantage of drink specials, including $1 off all wine purchases for fans 21+.    On Sunday, March 9, at 3 p.m., throw it back to the ‘70s with Retro Day as the Remix take on the Wisconsin Herd. Celebrate the disco era with vintage vibes and classic beats, and receive a limited-edition Remix Record coaster at entry, perfect for your game-day drink. In collaboration with the Trail Blazers, the Remix will wear an honorary "32" band on their jerseys to pay tribute to Rip City legend Bill Walton.   Join the Remix on Saturday, March 22, at 3 p.m. for the second annual Women’s Empowerment Day as we honor and celebrate the incredible women of Rip City. In collaboration with Rose Haven, the game will feature a halftime fashion show showcasing local designers and their inspiring work. Additionally, every fan will receive a free collectible rally towel to wave proudly throughout the game.   Celebrate Fan Appreciation Night on Monday, March 24, at 5 p.m., the final home game of the season, as we honor you, Rip City! To thank you for your amazing support throughout the season, every fan will receive a commemorative 2024-25 season poster. Plus, lucky fans will have the opportunity to win exclusive prizes, including team-signed memorabilia and Remix merchandise!   Don’t miss the final home games of the season! Get your tickets now at RipCityRemix.com and be part of the excitement. Courtside seats start at just $100 and come with exclusive access to the Hall of Fame room, plus complimentary soft drinks and snacks.

The team’s success reflects dedication Portland Community College Men’s Basketball Team (Photo Courtesy of PCC's Facebook) The Portland Community College men's basketball team captured its second consecutive Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) South Region title in emphatic fashion, defeating Clackamas 92-73 on Feb. 24 on the road and earning a berth in the NWAC championship in Pasco, Washington. The Panthers closed out the regular season with a 19-9 overall record and a 12-4 mark in conference play under head coach Cameron Mitchell, who has now led the program to a record 44 wins over the past two seasons.  "It was a huge accomplishment to win the South Region for the second straight year," Mitchell said. "With only two returning players from last year's team, it is a testament to the guys' dedication and work ethic this season." The win didn't come easy, as PCC had a shaky start against the Cougars. Clackamas shot 52% in the first half and led by as many as eight points. With the offense struggling, Mitchell called upon JahAllah Van, who provided an instant spark off the bench with eight straight points. His second three-pointer of the game gave the Panthers a brief lead, but Clackamas regained control to enter halftime up 38-35. The second half, however, was all PCC. The Panthers stormed out of the break with a 16-0 run, flipping the game on its head and never looking back. Jackson Leach led the charge with 17 second-half points, finishing with 27 overall. Van added 16 points and three steals, while Daniel James rebounded from a scoreless first half to contribute 15 points. With momentum on their side, PCC now turns its focus to the NWAC Championship Tournament, where they'll face Columbia Basin at noon on Saturday, March 8, in Pasco. "We are excited to head back to Pasco for the NWAC Championships and know it will be a big challenge playing the host team in the first round," Mitchell added. "We look forward to the challenge and will use these next few days to continue improving in practice."

6 week strikes comes to an end A person walks past a sign directing vehicles toward the emergency room at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane, File) (AP) — Nurses at Providence’s eight Oregon hospitals approved new contracts on Monday after over  six weeks of strike , ending what the state nurses union has described as the largest health care strike in state history. Providence and hospital nurses represented by the Oregon Nurses Association union reached the tentative agreement last week, after the nurses rejected a previous proposal. The changes under the second, approved deal include more retroactive pay for nurses whose contracts expired before December 2024. Most of the 5,000 on strike were nurses, but dozens of doctors at a Portland hospital and at six women’s health clinics also participated. The strike, which began Jan. 10, came after more than a year of negotiations failed to produce an agreement over wages, benefits and staffing levels. The hospital doctors at Providence St. Vincent in Portland and providers at the women’s health clinics ratified their new contracts  earlier this month. Hospital nurses will see immediate pay raises of up to 22% following ratification, with additional wage increases over the life of the contract, according to the union. Nurses will also receive automatic penalty pay equal to one hour of wages for every missed break of meal, and patient acuity will now be factored into staffing plans to help improve nurse workloads, the union said. Providence and the union both welcomed the new agreement in statements. Hospital nurses returned to work starting the night shift of last Wednesday, the union said.

Bringing Leadership from PDX Next Christopher Neal Chair Jessica Vega Pederson announced that after a highly competitive national recruitment and hiring process, she has selected Christopher Neal as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Multnomah County and Director of County Management. The Chair said she will ask the Board of County Commissioners to confirm her selection at their Thursday, March 13 regular Board meeting. As Chief Operating Officer, Neal will oversee the County’s daily operations, its more-than-6,000 employees, and guide and support the County’s senior leaders to ensure effective administration, financial management and operational consistency. He is also charged with the continued implementation of the Workforce Equity Strategic Plan and the ongoing development of the County’s strategic plan. The Multnomah County COO is held to a high standard for employee and community relations, and is responsible for ensuring an organization-wide commitment to maintaining an effective, respectful and inclusive workplace. The COO collaborates with internal and external partners and stakeholders to advance equity, diversity and inclusion as a shared value throughout the organization. Multnomah County recently implemented a strategic restructuring of the Office of the Chief Operating Officer to enhance leadership effectiveness. With the creation of three Deputy COO positions and a Director of Strategic Initiatives role, all of which report directly to the COO, the COO is poised to strengthen operational oversight. Neal comes to the County from the Port of Portland, where since 2020, he’s been the Director and Sponsor of Operations for PDX Next, a series of five projects to renovate Portland International Airport’s main terminal, expand the concourses and make the airport more earthquake resilient. The new main terminal that opened August 2024 was the largest public works project in the state and doubled the airport’s capacity. More than 30,000 local craftspeople are expected to contribute to PDX Next by the time the terminal is complete in 2026. Prior to PDX Next, Neal had been Director of Public Safety and Security at the Port of Portland since 2016, where he oversaw the Port of Portland police, fire and airport communications center. He first became a director at age 27, leading the Transportation Security Administration’s 850-person Colorado workforce before rising to TSA positions at Ronald Reagan Washington National, Dulles International and Portland International airports. “Chris Neal is a problem-solver whose breadth of operational experience and ability to inspire, collaborate, and motivate his colleagues and partners were obvious,” the Chair said.  The Chair reached her decision after months of work with Karras Consulting to recruit executive candidates with demonstrated success in strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, day-to-day administration, successful employee relations and cultural competence. Of 84 applicants, 52% self-identified as Black, Indigenous, or people of color. The pool was also broad: Although 41 applicants were from Oregon, 43 came from out of state (two of whom were international candidates). The selection process included a county employee engagement process to determine what qualities were essential in a COO. More than 90 people participated in the selection process, including equity managers, Employee Resource Group members and each County Commissioner. During one part of the evaluation process, Neal revealed he had watched dozens of presentations to the Board of County Commissioners given by the people he will be leading. “These last five years have been rough for the County, but I want people to know I recognize the work you are doing,” he told department directors and other managers during the interview process, “I see and acknowledge you and your work and the opportunity we have to serve this community.” Neal said he became interested in Multnomah County after realizing how much of its mission and values were shared by the Port of Portland and their efforts to promote health and safety, provide equal opportunity, and build a strong community. The son of parents who both served in the U.S. Navy, Neal grew up on military bases in Puerto Rico, Japan and Germany, and the East Coast. After graduating high school just south of Atlanta, he enlisted in the U.S. Army before his 18th birthday — his parents cosigned on his enlistment. In the Army, he was assigned to serve on the Presidential Honor Guard in Washington, D.C. in the high-profile precision unit escorting President George W. Bush at the White House.  After six years in the Army, Neal worked for U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek, D-Florida, and earned a Bachelor of Science in international and government relations at George Mason University. At the Port, Neal oversaw rigorous budget assessments, quality control and consistent value engineering on the PDX Next project; improved hiring practices and broadened recruitment and retention in public safety; and moved security and communications agencies under one roof to improve response times in emergencies and relationships between workgroups. Neal replaces Deputy Chief Operating Officer Travis Graves, who stepped in as Interim COO in September 2024.