Multnomah County is set to consider a new leader for its Department of Community Justice, as County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson nominates Denise Peña for the director role. The candidate has a 25-year history with the department, and if confirmed, would take over after Erika Preuitt's retirement at the end of the month. The Board of County Commissioners will make the final decision in a vote scheduled for May 2, according to a news release published by Multnomah County.
As deputy director since 2022, Peña is already familiar with the inner workings of the department and has contributed to a range of initiatives, from the department’s Research and Planning Team to budgeting and facilities. She stepped forward to possibly lead a nearly $112 million annual operation, and her confirmation will allow her to fully oversee the department's 460 employees. "We had a very strong candidate pool, and I’m grateful many qualified candidates came forward to lead our Department of Community Justice," Vega Pederson told Multnomah County in their announcement. "Denise Peña has a proven track record at DCJ of centering the needs of our community and employees."
Peña's extensive experience includes significant roles such as a senior manager in the Adult Services Division and a victims advocate in the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office. Her career has been marked by a commitment to connecting with communities and assisting those involved with the justice system as they reintegrate. "I am deeply grateful to have the opportunity to lead the department where I spent the last 20 years of my career," Peña said in a statement obtained by Multnomah County. She highlighted the department's values of support and accountability in a joint effort to keep the county safe.
The selection process was thorough with a search firm starting a nationwide recruitment in January and narrowing down an initial field of 25 applicants. Stakeholders had the opportunity to offer feedback on the finalists, ensuring that the preferred candidate aligns with the department's vision and the needs of the community. Ultimately, Peña stood out among them, poised to leverage her multilingual abilities and culturally nuanced perspective to craft a future where the Department of Community Justice can effectively address the root causes leading to criminal behavior and aid in healing.
Residing in Northeast Portland, where she raised her family, Peña is described as an individual rooted in the community. She dedicates personal time to travel and to her rambunctious adopted boxer named Barry. With her proposed leadership, the Department of Community Justice looks to dive deep into a new chapter that focuses on both safety and transformative justice.
