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Board honors DCHS Director Muhammad Bader after nearly 30 years of county service
Summary
The Multnomah County Board held a nonvoting recognition for Department of County Human Services Director Muhammad Bader, featuring a poem, a tribute video, remarks from colleagues and Bader's own reflections on his 30-year career and service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners commemorated the service of Department of County Human Services Director Muhammad Bader at a nonvoting recognition as he retires after nearly 30 years with the county.
The event opened with a poem and a tribute video. County leaders and colleagues — including Rachel Pearl, Dr. Richard, Alexis Ashby, Cheryl Jackson and others — described Bader’s leadership during the COVID‑19 pandemic, his role expanding rental assistance and implementing early learning programs, and his emphasis on trauma‑informed, equity‑centered practice.
Bader, who spoke near the end of the item, reflected on his life and career and said he would "return to [his] first love, being a friend to all," and closed with a poem that included the lines, "With gratitude, I take my leave, humble, grateful, and finally freed."
Board members and staff proposed establishing a county award in his name and announced a reception for Bader later in the day. The recognition was ceremonial; no action or vote was required or taken.
Why it matters: Bader led one of the county’s largest departments through pandemic response and program expansions that affected tens of thousands of residents; staff described his leadership as formative for department culture and practice.
Next steps: The county will hold a reception for staff and partners; any formal personnel transition or interim leadership arrangements are administrative matters to be announced through county channels.
