The Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) swore in Umatilla County Commissioner George Murdock as association president during its 2021 AOC Annual Conference in Eugene, Ore., at the association’s annual business meeting, November 18, 2021.

During his inaugural speech, Murdock called attention to the strength AOC, and its member judges, chairs, and commissioners bring forward during critical policy discussions among state and federal bodies of government. Each county and the elected officials that serve Oregon’s 36 counties provide a unique viewpoint on a variety of issues across the political spectrum, which, Murdock asserted, makes AOC one of the only truly purple advocacy organizations in the state.

The importance of AOC’s motto, “United Counties. United Oregon,” was threaded throughout his remarks. “Remaining purple is an equation that correlates directly with the level of our power and influence,” remarked Murdock highlighting the success of the organization in its work through the COVID-19 pandemic.

A central theme among 2020 and 2021 AOC Presidents, Morrow County Commissioner Jim Doherty and Coos County Commissioner Melissa Cribbins was the recognition that when commissioners, judges, and chairs coalesce around relationships and what bridges rather than divides counties, AOC’s voice becomes stronger, and county needs are elevated in AOC advocacy. Murdock called attention to this continued theme and noted, “I believe the strength and future of AOC lies in knowing, understanding, respecting, and appreciating each other. It would be my intent to perpetuate this initiative during the coming year.”

AOC’s unique mission and broader role for serving Oregon’s 36 counties was a continued theme in Murdock’s speech, “Preserving that balance means that while we certainly need to represent our individual counties and our personal beliefs, we also need to consider the fact AOC is a higher calling if we wish to retain our collective position of strength.”

The conference, held in-person, offered its attendees, a cross-section of county elected officials and staff, state and federal agency partners, business partners, and other interested parties, the opportunity to come together to learn about best practices, policies, collaborate on innovative solutions, and forge critical partnerships with fellow commissioners, judges, and chairs.

Murdock is joined on the AOC executive team by first vice president, Klamath County Commissioner Derrick DeGroot; second vice president, Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell; treasurer, Morrow County Commissioner Melissa Lindsay; and immediate past president, Coos County Commissioner Melissa Cribbins.

The executive team will work together during 2022 to lead the organization to success and ensure AOC meets its core mission of uniting Oregon’s 36 counties by:

  • Advocating with a collective voice on statewide and national policy;
  • Exchanging ideas, building new leadership, and exercising exemplary leadership in public service; and
  • Enriching the public’s understanding of county government.

In addition, the executive committee will support the work of the president. Each year, the AOC President selects a focus area to implement through their service to the organization. Murdock’s initiative will be announced at an upcoming AOC meeting.

Murdock closed out the conference with a call to his fellow elected county officials to support AOC in being a force for unity. “I hope you will join me in this critical effort to help make counties the strong voice they need to be in the course of events in this state by doing the work necessary to be an organization unique in its diversity and mutual appreciation for one another.”

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Contributed by: Megan Chuinard | Public Affairs Associate