Contact: Jim Middaugh, 503-797-1505
Michael J. Jordan, Metro’s chief operating officer since 2003, will become chief operating officer for the State of Oregon beginning March 28. In his new position, Jordan will lead and supervise all aspects of the day-to-day operations of the state as well as boards and commissions.
“The entire Metro Council has full confidence that Metro will continue to provide exceptional service and leadership for our region,” said Metro President Tom Hughes.
Jordan’s leadership and vision transformed Metro into an agency that delivers innovative services and cost effective operations. Jordan helped make Metro into an international leader in collaborative decision-making and improved trust in the agency.
“It was a difficult choice for me to make this move,” Jordan said. “The agency’s hard work, especially during these last few years of change, gives me confidence that Metro will continue to be a model of excellence for public agencies throughout the country. The Metro staff’s passion, dedication and commitment to serve the public with integrity will inspire me as I begin this new challenge,” he said.
During Jordan’s tenure voters supported two Metro bond measures, the agency was reorganized to ensure internal and external collaboration and efficiency, the governance of visitor venues was realigned, and a regionwide fund for community planning and development was created.
“The entire Metro Council is excited for Michael and we are comforted in knowing the operations of the state will be in the best possible hands. We also look forward to an enhanced partnership between our region and the state,” Hughes said.
Also notable is the fact that with the direction of the Metro Council, Jordan helped shift Metro from an agency focused on top-down regulations to a catalyst for innovative partnerships among public and private community leaders. Those partnerships now provide invaluable support for our cities, counties and businesses and help ensure we make the most of past and ongoing public investments, Hughes said.
“Michael’s leadership was integral to Metro’s successes but it has been the hard work and dedication from the entire agency’s staff and the Metro Council that ensured this evolution,” Hughes said.