Metro Chief Operating Officer Michael Jordan today announced that Paul Slyman will become the agency's new director of Parks and Environmental Services. In his new role, Slyman will lead a department of more than 100 employees responsible for the management and operations of the agency's solid waste facilities, regional parks, cemeteries and other properties.
Slyman comes to Metro from the Portland Development Commission where he has served as manager of its Sustainable Services Division since 2007. In that role he led the Project Management Office, the Construction and Environmental Services Team and Green Building Policy and Program Development. He also served in various positions at the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality from 1996 to 2007, the last five years as deputy director.
Slyman is a veteran of the United States Coast Guard where he managed marine oil spill prevention programs and conducted patrols in Alaska, the South Pacific and Asia enforcing international maritime laws. While on active reserves in the Coast Guard, he served a one-year special assignment following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks as an assistant director of operations. He holds a bachelor's degree in physical oceanography from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and a master's degree in physical geography from Portland State University.
"Paul brings extensive strategic planning, project management and leadership experience to the job, along with energy and passion for Metro's mission," said Jordan.
"Metro has a great team. I'm excited to become part of it and serve the citizens of our region," Slyman said.
Slyman begins his new position on Friday, Oct. 1 and will report to Deputy Chief Operating Officer Scott Robinson.