Oregon Government Shuffle: Key Appointments and Departures
Published: September 12, 2024
In a series of notable changes within Oregon’s government landscape, several key figures are transitioning to new roles.
Legislative Director Justin Brecht is set to depart the Senate Republican Office, taking on a position at Dalton Advocacy Inc. starting October 1. Meanwhile, Meliah Masiba is returning to the Department of Administrative Services as legislative director after a rotation with first lady Aimee Kotek Wilson.
In legislative news, retiring Congressman Earl Blumenauer will join Portland State University (PSU) as a senior fellow and special adviser, effective January 3. His academic ties date back to his undergraduate days at Lewis & Clark College.
The Department of Corrections has appointed Megan Cogswell as the new apprenticeship and workforce development coordinator. In education, Dr. Raeshelle Meyer is stepping in as the director of professional learning for the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators, following her tenure at the Oregon Department of Education.
Changes also hit the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, where Aaron Knott has transitioned to direct government affairs and communication for the Oregon Judicial Department. Senate President Rob Wagner has appointed Caroline Wong to the Task Force on Specialty Courts, filling Knott’s vacancy.
Additionally, Sen. Janeen Sollman and Rep. Lisa Reynolds have been selected for The Council of State Government’s Henry Toll Fellowship, a prestigious national leadership program.
At the operational level, Craig Campbell has assumed the role of government affairs director at the Oregon Refuse and Recycling Association after leading The Victory Group. Meanwhile, Keith Leavitt has launched Confluence Strategies LLC following his departure from the Port of Portland.
Lastly, Rachel Smolkin is the new president/CEO of Oregon Public Broadcasting, succeeding Steve Bass after his 19-year leadership, while retired Oregon Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul De Muniz has released a memoir detailing his illustrious career.
These shifts signal ongoing evolution within Oregon’s political and governmental sectors.
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