On Thursday, Governor Tina Kotek announced her decision to appoint Michael Tessean as the new head for the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA), a position that he is set to take up on August 18, pending approval by the Senate. This move follows a period of interim leadership by Jana McLellan, who has been at the helm since March and is slated for retirement this September. "I am grateful to Jana McLellan for stepping up as interim director and leading OYA through a critical transition with integrity and care," Kotek said, indicating the seriousness of navigating the complex challenges that the agency faces, as stated by the Governor's Office.
Tessean's appointment is part of an effort to enhance the OYA's transparency and accountability, in keeping with the high standards that Oregonians expect. "A young person's experience at OYA can be one factor among many that has the potential to alter the trajectory of their life. It is incredibly important work for our present and our future," Governor's Office commented in the announcement provided to the press. Tessean, armed with over two decades of experience in the intersecting fields of criminal justice and behavioral health, appears ready to not only maintain but to also crucially build on the agency's foundational work.
In selecting Tessean, the Governor's Office instituted a selection process intended to incorporate multiple viewpoints, tapping into insights from juvenile justice and child welfare stakeholders, as well as advocacy groups, OYA leadership, and staff. As reported in the statement, Tessean was among candidates who participated in structured interviews and an informational video session that enabled staff across OYA to provide feedback before the final decision was made.
Emphasizing his commitment to key principles, Michael Tessean said, "I’m honored to lead the Oregon Youth Authority and committed to building trust through transparency, accountability, and partnership." He plans to fully support the staff and to collaboratively foster a youth justice system that is not only rooted in humanity but also driven by data and inspired by the belief that people—especially young people—can grow, change, and thrive, according to the Governor's Office news release.
Before stepping into this role, Tessean's professional background includes notable achievements such as improving operations at the Colorado State Board of Parole and holding senior positions at the Colorado Department of Human Services. Tessean, who holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, is praised for his leadership style which, according to OYA's outgoing Interim Director McLellan, is characterized by a caring and conscientious nature. "He is eager and prepared for the challenges ahead as he leads OYA into its next stage of development," Governor's Office told reporters.
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