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Board Confirms Christopher Neal as Multnomah County Chief Operating Officer
Summary
The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved Chair Vega Peterson's appointment of Christopher Neal as the county's chief operating officer, with commissioners praising his operational experience and outlining expectations for transparency and collaboration.
Christopher Neal was confirmed Tuesday as Multnomah County's chief operating officer after a unanimous vote by the Board of County Commissioners.
Neal, nominated by Chair Vega Peterson to lead day-to-day county operations overseeing more than 6,000 employees, told the board he plans to begin by meeting staff and learning operations before proposing changes. "What you'll see is a lot of getting to know the people first," Neal said during his remarks, adding that transparency, active listening, collaboration and frequent communication will guide his work.
Chair Vega Peterson said Neal will be "tapped to use his extensive expertise to support the county senior leaders" during a period of budget shortfalls and pressing community needs. Commissioners asked about Neal's approach to community engagement and his priorities; he said his initial 30- to 90-day plan centers on listening to staff and community stakeholders, then outlining gaps and priorities.
Commissioner Moyer and others praised the recruitment and selection process. Commissioner Bridal Edwards said the county needed an operating leader with experience in large public organizations; she and other commissioners said Neal fits that profile. Interim COO Travis Graves was singled out for having supported the transition.
On a roll-call vote the board approved the appointment. Commissioner Jones Dixon moved the resolution; the motion was seconded and approved unanimously. "The resolution is adopted," Chair Vega Peterson said after the vote.
Neal said the county faces a general fund shortfall and significant homeless services costs but called the moment an opportunity for creative, collaborative problem-solving. He thanked county employees and said he looked forward to meeting staff and community partners.
The board noted the appointment concludes a broad recruitment process that engaged staff, commissioners and community members. The new COO will assume responsibilities immediately under the authority granted by the board.
