Washington County's political landscape saw the addition of seasoned and new faces alike as officials took their oaths to serve residents for the coming four years. The swearing-in ceremony, a mix of tradition and forward-looking commitment, was streamed live for constituents on the Washington County YouTube channel, capturing moments of promise from newly elected and returning leaders.
Among those sworn in was Commissioner Nafisa Fai, marking her second term and continuing her historic tenure as the first Immigrant and Refugee, the first Black, and the first Muslim to serve on the Board of Commissioners. With a background stretching into public health and entrepreneurship, Fai brings a multifaceted perspective to Commissioner District 1, encompassing Aloha, Beaverton, and Cooper Mountain. "This moment is more than ceremonial, it is a call to action, a renewal of the trust that you have placed in me and a commitment to our shared vision for Washington County," she told Washington County.
Jason Snider, the voice for Commissioner District 3, echoed his resolve to tackle imminent challenges head-on. His words, springing from a well of experience gained as Tigard's mayor and city councilor, were an assurance of advocacy for the vulnerable and the voiceless. Snider, who has nurtured a career at Kaiser Permanente Northwest since 2003, emphasized the urgency of bolstering youth mental health services, stating, "The County needs to take a more active role investing in this area and coordinating the work of both the cities and the school districts in the county."
Completing the trifecta of leadership was Caprice Massey, stepping into the role of Washington County Sheriff. Her journey with the Sheriff's Office, a commitment beginning in 2004, and previous service in the U.S. Navy underscores her unique blend of experience as the county's first female sheriff. With gratitude to her predecessor and peers, Massey expressed, "I am truly honored to serve the Washington County community as Sheriff and alongside the hundreds of dedicated professionals of this office," as per her statement to Washington County.
The responsibilities of the board members are vast, shaping policy and directing a professional staff against the backdrop of a growing population now exceeding 610,000. With a $2.1 billion budget at their disposal, the two commissioners and the sheriff join others in a sustained effort to innovate and serve a diverse constituency.
