Multnomah County Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards is adding a new chief of staff to her team, starting January 2025, it's Bryan Hockaday, a seasoned professional with a diverse background in policy and a deep commitment to equity and community engagement, the announcement was made earlier this week. In a statement obtained by Multnomah County News Releases, Brim-Edwards expressed enthusiasm for Hockaday's approach to public service, saying, "Bryan’s extensive public service experience, coupled with his collaborative and strategic problem-solving approach, make him an excellent fit for our team during this critical time for Multnomah County."

Hockaday isn't new to civic duty with roles ranging from being a policy advisor in Portland City Hall to serving as a press secretary in the Oregon Governor’s Office. His resume includes stints as a policy advisor to the Mayor of Seattle and chief of staff to an Oregon legislator, and he has also been involved in the private sector as a public policy manager for Lyft; furthermore, his experience extends to working with the Public and Government Affairs team for Clackamas County and as a public affairs specialist for the Oregon Department of Energy. His latest appointment sees him replacing Eric Zimmerman, who has found a new berth at the Portland City Council, his election to this new position developed concurrently with the unfolding of this staffing transition.

The role's agenda is loaded with tasks that align with Brim-Edwards' priorities as Hockaday will focus on tackling homelessness and unsanctioned camping, bolstering addiction and behavioral health services, and promoting safer neighborhoods – triggering proactive steps with targeted investments in public safety and transparency measures for Multnomah County. According to his professional profile, Hockaday is an active member of the community, living in the Buckman neighborhood, where he enjoys running and engaging in craft projects alongside his partner, Michael, and their dog, Judy.

Brim-Edwards' priorities that Hockaday will drive include the development of shelter and housing pathways, the establishment of a 24/7 Drop Off Sobering Center, and enhancing collaborations with the new Portland City Council and the new County Commission – an aspect which is essential in facilitating the implementation of safer neighborhoods that come with targeted investments in public safety and the promotion of transparency and accountability throughout the county.