Metro deputy COO Andrew Scott
Andrew Scott, a native Portlander who has spent the last 10 years overseeing the budget of Portland’s city government, will join Metro on June 26 as its new deputy chief operating officer.
As Metro’s deputy chief operating officer, Scott will lead several key Metro departments, including finance, research, human resources and communications. Scott will also work on special projects designated by chief operating officer Martha Bennett and the Metro Council.
Scott will leave his post as director of the Portland City Budget Office, where he manages the development and evaluation of the city’s budget.
“I’m thrilled that Andrew is joining our team,” Bennett said. “All of greater Portland will benefit from his integrity, creative thinking and leadership experience.”
At the City Budget Office, Scott managed the process for setting Portland’s $4.2 billion annual budget, which includes $673 million in general fund spending. In that role, he worked with the mayor and city council to set budget priorities and help guide spending plans.
“This is an incredible opportunity,” said Scott. “Metro’s a great agency, fiscally responsible and well managed. With the upcoming change in leadership, and with the proposed affordable housing bond, this is a critical time for the region and I’m excited to be joining the team.”
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler complimented Scott on his leadership at the city.
“Andrew Scott has been an essential partner in figuring out how to maximize limited budget dollars to address the key challenges facing our city,” Wheeler said. “The knowledge, discipline, and keen problem-solving skills he brings with him to Metro will serve him well in his new role as deputy chief operating officer."
Scott said accountability and transparency will be an important part of his tenure as deputy COO.
“We’ll be looking at ways we can ensure we’re doing a good job and holding ourselves accountable,” he said. “At the city, we’ve focused on finding ways to make sure the bureaus are achieving what they say they are going to achieve. I know Metro has also been working on that, and I’m hoping to pick up on those efforts.”
Scott also worked on developing the city’s Budget Equity Tool, to ensure that an equity lens is applied to budget decisions.
Before becoming the city’s budget director in 2012, he worked as a financial planning manager at the city starting in 2008. He joined Portland city government in 2002 as a financial analyst after several years in Washington, D.C.
“If I’ve learned anything at the City of Portland, it’s that we need to work across city and county lines to take advantage of our strengths and manage our collective challenges,” Scott said. “Working together, we can make sure this continues to be a great place to live for all Oregonians.”
Scott’s predecessor, Scott Robinson, retired in March after nearly a decade as deputy COO at Metro.