Multnomah County confirms Rachel Pearl as permanent director of Department of County Human Services

The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners unanimously confirmed Rachel Pearl on May 28, 2026, as the permanent director of the Department of County Human Services (DCHS). Chair Vega Peterson moved the nomination and the full board voted in favor after a presentation on Pearl’s experience and a public introduction from county staff.

County deputy chief operating officer Sarah Morrisy described the recruitment as a national search that produced nearly 90 applicants and included multiple interview panels with DCHS leadership, community partners, county staff and union representatives. Morrisy said Pearl served as interim director since last October and highlighted her work leading responses to severe weather events, asylum seeker support, food assistance and eviction-prevention work. “Rachel emerged from a national search of nearly 90 applicants,” Morrisy told the board.

Pearl addressed the board and attendees, tracing personal and professional roots that she said shape her approach to public service. She emphasized DCHS priorities including addressing housing instability, preparing for changes in Medicaid and SNAP eligibility, and strengthening upstream investments in early childhood and community-based solutions. “We’re facing unprecedented times in this community and across this country. DCHS will play a critical role as we figure out what the future holds,” Pearl said in her remarks.

Commissioners expressed broad support during the discussion. Commissioner Moyer said she was honored to vote for Pearl and described the county role as part of a “mighty team.” Commissioner Brim Edwards, Commissioner Singleton and Commissioner Jones Dixon each praised Pearl’s leadership, with several commissioners describing personal conversations and the candidate’s record of responding in crises. The resolution passed by an affirmative vote from all commissioners present.

The board scheduled no additional deliberation on the appointment; Pearl will assume the permanent role after the administrative transition steps are completed. The confirmation follows an internal interim period in which Pearl led DCHS through leadership transitions and operational challenges, and it signals the county’s immediate priority on homelessness prevention, food assistance and supports tied to upcoming eligibility changes in federal programs.

The board moved on to other agenda items following the vote; the appointment drew public attendance from DCHS staff and family members who were in the room to witness the confirmation.