The search for Multnomah County’s next Chief Operating Officer has concluded with Christopher Neal appointed to the top administrative role. As reported by Multnomah County, Neal was unanimously confirmed by the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners on Thursday, selected from an impressive pool of 84 candidates following a nationwide hunt for talent.
Neal has a diverse background, including experience overseeing more than 6,000 employees in the daily operations of one of Oregon's most populous counties. Chair Jessica Vega Pederson expressed her confidence in Neal’s capabilities, saying, "It's one Chris is uniquely qualified to fill." Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards emphasized the importance of selecting a candidate with a proven record of operational excellence in a large and diverse public agency, noting that Neal meets this requirement and demonstrates strategic acumen and a commitment to best practices, according to Multnomah County.
Neal is scheduled to begin on April 7, joining the county as it faces significant financial pressures. "But we all know that during these times of adversity, we become our most creative, bold, and daring," Neal told Multnomah County. He will be tasked with rolling out the County’s Workforce Equity Strategic Plan and developing a comprehensive strategic plan for the future.
Previously positioned as the Director and Sponsor of Operations for PDX Next, Neal supervised the expansion and renovation of Portland International Airport’s main terminal; a project pegged as the largest public work in state history.
Neal's predecessors and colleagues acknowledged the transition. Commissioner Meghan Moyer and Shannon Singleton expressed confidence in Neal's future with the county, while Commissioner Vince Jones-Dixon recognized interim COO Travis Graves for his service since September 2024. Neal referenced his past work at the Port of Portland, noting his experience "building America's favorite airport" as a standard he aims to maintain in Multnomah County.
