Big moves are happening in the hierarchy of Oregon's governmental departments as Governor Tina Kotek appoints a new sheriff in town for the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS). The governor has tapped Sean O’Day to take over as the department's director, a position he's been warming up to since June, serving as the interim after his stint as deputy director. All of this, however, hangs in the balance, waiting for a nod of approval from the Oregon Senate.
O'Day, whose credentials stack up with more than two decades spent in the public service trenches of Oregon, seems intent on holding the line against unfair business shenanigans. “The Department of Consumer and Business Services is essential to protecting Oregonians, supporting fair business practices, and ensuring our economy works for everyone,” Governor Kotek said. O’Day's previous gig was as the deputy director for the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and now he's expected to champion the values of transparency and consumer empowerment in his potential new role.
Not one to shy away from duty, O'Day has been donning multiple hats, with one as a reserve judge advocate in the United States Army Reserve. His leadership stretches over a 6th Legal Operations Detachment that dispatches legal gurus whenever and wherever the call of duty rings. A veteran with tours in the Middle East and a hand in the Hurricane Katrina relief operations, O'Day's service sheet is nothing to scoff at.
Education isn't a weak spot either, with O'Day holding a law degree from the Northwestern School of Law at Lewis & Clark College, a bachelor's from Central Washington University, and to top it off, a master's in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College. “I am deeply humbled and honored that the Governor is placing her trust in me to run the department,” O'Day commented on his appointment. He’s raring to dig in with the DCBS staff to safeguard Oregon's marketplace and its players. While awaiting confirmation, O'Day will continue to serve as acting director, ensuring that the state of Oregon's consumer interests aren't left in a lurch.
