Metro attorney steps up to top spot during search to replace Michael Jordan
The Metro Council today appointed Daniel B. Cooper to serve as acting chief operating officer commencing with the March 15th departure of Michael Jordan. Cooper has served as Metro attorney for the last 23 years. The Council will take several weeks to create a plan for recruiting and filling the position on a permanent basis. The Council also appointed Alison Kean Campbell as acting Metro Attorney. Kean Campbell previously was Cooper’s deputy.
“The Metro Council shares my support, enthusiasm and appreciation for Dan and Alison’s willingness to help lead Metro while we seek a permanent replacement for Michael Jordan,” said Metro President Tom Hughes. “Because of the confidence the Council has in Metro’s senior team we will take the next several weeks to carefully consider our options for how best to replace Michael Jordan on a permanent basis. We all have an interest in ensuring we select another great leader for Metro’s staff,” he said.
“I share the Council’s commitment to keeping Metro on the path set by Michael Jordan,” Cooper said. “Metro will continue to work with its community partners to create good jobs now and in the future to protect our farms and forests and make the most of our great neighborhoods,” he said.
While serving as Cooper’s deputy, Kean Campbell has been closely involved in virtually every significant Metro project and has been a member of the agency’s senior leadership team since 2008.
“Alison Kean Campbell is uniquely qualified to provide sound advice and leadership to all of us during this time of change,” Hughes said.
Kean Campbell began her tenure in the Office of Metro Attorney in 1996. She has been the deputy Metro attorney since 2008. Prior to working at Metro, she worked in private practice for seven years, focusing on complex civil and commercial litigation.
Hughes has asked Metro Councilor Carl Hosticka to lead a review of the attributes, skills, and qualities Metro should seek to ensure the success of its next chief operating officer.
“Based on a thorough assessment of our needs from a chief operating officer, we will actively seek out the best and brightest to join us making this a great place,” Hughes said.
Metro, the regional government, crosses city limits and county lines to build a resilient economy, keep nature close by and respond to a changing climate. Representing a diverse population of 1.5 million people in 25 cities and three counties, Metro's directly elected council gives voters a voice in decisions about how the region grows and communities prosper.