McKeown Commission elects Rebecca Trumper chair, Joel Benson vice chair and Tehima treasurer

Rebecca Trumper was elected chair of the McKeown Commission on June 1, 2026, in a unanimous roll-call vote that the secretary recorded as 5–0. Joel Benson was selected as vice chair and Commissioner Tehima as treasurer; both were approved in separate roll-call votes, each recorded as passing 5–0.

The election took place after commissioners opened nominations and asked nominees if they would accept. When asked if she would accept the nomination for chair, Rebecca Trumper said, “I will.” The commission then conducted roll-call votes for each office.

The newly elected officers assume leadership of a commission that last month had its work plan accepted by the foundation and city staff. Commissioners said they expect the new leadership to help execute near-term priorities, including cataloging the collection, resuming public programming such as Art Walk and coordinating preservation work.

The commission’s secretary noted procedural details for nominations and voting; the votes were recorded on the meeting’s roll call and reflected unanimous support for the three officers. Commissioners said the next steps include carrying forward acquisition criteria, preservation priorities and scheduling work-plan activities across the coming meetings.

The commission adjourned at 5:12 p.m.; it has no regular meetings in July and will reconvene in October per its schedule.