Dec 12, 2025 | AOC News, Events
The 2025 Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) Annual Conference, held Nov. 19-22 in Eugene, Ore., brought together over 600 county officials, agency leaders, partners, and exhibitors for three days of focused networking, learning, and relationship building to better serve Oregon’s communities.
Kicking off the conference was a powerful message of hope and survival from Keynote Speaker Kevin Hines. Hines, who survived a suicide attempt off the Golden Gate Bridge, told the captivated audience to help those who may be in pain and commit to “be here tomorrow, and every day after that.”
Mental health was the focus of this year’s conference, serving as the presidential initiative of outgoing AOC President, Umatilla County Commissioner John Shafer.
“The powerful keynote from Kevin Hines set a purposeful tone for the conference,” said President Shafer, “reinforcing the critical importance of mental health initiatives.”
This focus carried through the conference sessions, which featured critical discussions on empowering local mental health authorities, the local impact of federal health and human services policy changes, and addressing county-level challenges within healthcare systems.
On the second day, Governor Tina Kotek joined the conference, emphasizing the need for counties and the state to collaborate. “I will be a strong partner with our counties,” Kotek promised, “to make sure we help Oregonians and we move the state forward.”
The governor encouraged attendees to foster regional partnerships during the afternoon agency meet and greet, a valuable opportunity for engagement with state and federal agency leaders.
Beyond mental health, speakers addressed a range of critical issues facing Oregon’s counties and the essential services they provide, including road safety, public health modernization, county revenue, emergency management, and energy capacity.
A key moment of the conference was the graduation ceremony for AOC’s County College program. Designed for new commissioners, judges, chairs, and high-level staff, the program offers a comprehensive overview of the responsibilities and authorities of a county and county elected officials. County leaders from twenty-one counties completed the six-month program.
For newly elected officials, the program is an invaluable resource. Baker County Commissioner Michelle Kaseberg credits her experience at County College with “helping me connect the information shared at the AOC Annual Conference to real-world county operations.”
In addition to educational sessions and networking opportunities, one of the highlights every year is Wander Oregon, an event that showcases the diverse offerings of Oregon’s counties. Nineteen counties shared their finest food, beverages, and artisanal products – from fry bread and seafood to lavender, cheeses and much more. We are grateful to all participating counties and their staff for making Wander Oregon a wonderful celebration of what Oregon has to offer.
“The 2025 AOC Annual Conference was an overwhelming success, bringing together dedicated county leaders and partners to focus on the most pressing issues facing Oregon’s communities,” said Executive Director Gina Nikkel. “This event proved once again to be an indispensable forum for networking, collaboration, and building the partnerships necessary to effectively serve all Oregonians.”
Contributed by: Erin Good | Communications Coordinator
Dec 1, 2025 | AOC News
The Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) swore in its new executive committee for the upcoming year during the annual business meeting at the AOC Annual Conference in Eugene, Ore. Tillamook County Commissioner Erin Skaar now serves as the AOC president. The executive team will work collaboratively throughout 2026 to lead the organization, ensuring that AOC meets its core mission of uniting Oregon’s 36 counties.
The full executive team:
- President: Tillamook County Commissioner Erin Skaar
- First Vice President: Sherman County Judge Joe Dabulskis
- Second Vice President: Polk County Commissioner Jeremy Gordon
- Treasurer: Clatsop County Commissioner Lianne Thompson
- Immediate Past President: Umatilla County Commissioner John Shafer
As AOC President, Skaar is responsible for appointing fellow county commissioners to serve as steering committee co-chairs during her tenure. AOC’s five steering committees, staffed and supported by the Legislative Affairs Department, consider positions on policy and legislative issues that unite counties and impact county services, functions, and budgets.
AOC steering committee co-chairs:
Governance, Revenue, and Economic Development Steering Committee
- Columbia County Commissioner Casey Garrett
- Benton County Commissioner Gabe Shepherd
Health And Human Services Steering Committee
- Wallowa County Commissioner Lisa Collier
- Washington County Commissioner Nafisa Fai
Natural Resources Steering Committee
- Wasco County Commissioner Scott Hege
- Polk County Commissioner Craig Pope
Public Safety and Veterans Steering Committee
- Deschutes County Commissioner Tony DeBone
- Yamhill County Commissioner Bubba King
Transportation and Community Development Steering Committee
- Umatilla County Commissioner Dan Dorran
- Benton County Commissioner Nancy Wyse
Contributed by: Erin Good | Communications Coordinator
Oct 30, 2025 | AOC News
The Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) wrapped up its annual district meetings in October. These meetings provided an opportunity for AOC staff and district chairs to gather member feedback and share organizational updates. In addition to AOC business and district chair elections, these meetings also hold time for a “hot-topics” discussion on key issues facing the region’s counties. This year, discussions focused on county revenue challenges to fund essential services, managing energy capacity and solid waste, and addressing shortages in mental health providers and affordable housing.
Executive Director Gina Nikkel presented an in-depth overview of the proposed budget for the upcoming year and reviewed proposed AOC bylaws amendments. Both items will be considered for adoption by the full membership at the AOC Annual Business Meeting during the 2025 Annual Conference in November.
AOC department directors also joined district meetings, providing updates on key accomplishments and outcomes for AOC member counties. Member Services Director Jill Rees highlighted the growth of the business partner program, County Road Program Director Brian Worley presented an update on county road revenue, and Legislative Affairs Director Mallorie Roberts presented an overview of the 2025 legislative session and provided a preview of what to expect in the 2026 legislative session.
These hybrid meetings are held every fall in AOC’s eight regional districts and are hosted by a member county within each district. District leaders, who serve on AOC’s Board of Directors and legislative committees, play a key role in ensuring regional representation in the major organizational decisions and policy positions for the association. AOC extends its gratitude to all who attended AOC district meetings for their valuable input — an essential component to the success and direction of the association.
Meeting information, recordings, and materials can be found here.
Contributed by: Erin Good | Communications Coordinator
Sep 25, 2025 | AOC News, Events
The Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) will hold its annual conference Nov. 18-20, 2025, bringing together elected officials, community partners, county staff, and state and federal partners to collaborate, learn, and grow. County officials and staff from across the state participate in the three-day event aimed at networking and education to improve delivery of county services and the efficiency of county government.
This year’s conference will center on critical issues affecting counties, focusing on policy and legislation related to county budgets, services, and governance. Concurrent educational sessions will cover timely topics such as road safety, public health modernization, county revenue, emergency management, and energy capacity.
A key focus of the conference will be the county’s role as the local mental health authority. This theme reflects the year-long presidential initiative of AOC President and Umatilla County Commissioner John Shafer, who encouraged members to engage in strengthening their local mental health authority.
“Strengthening mental health services is a top priority,” Shafer said. “This year’s conference is an opportunity for us to come together, share solutions, and build collaborative partnerships that will help us better serve our communities.”
This initiative will be highlighted through concurrent sessions on county health and human services; a keynote presentation by Kevin Hines, a survivor, storyteller, filmmaker, and mental health champion; and a special session devoted to Shafer’s initiative. During the presidential initiative session, a panel of local partners will discuss how collaboration between peer support leaders, criminal justice officials, and other local mental health authorities strengthens mental health services and meets community needs.
Beyond the formal sessions, the conference also features valuable opportunities for networking and fun. This includes the Federal and State Agency Meet and Greet, and Wander Oregon, where counties will showcase their finest food, beverages, and artisanal products from across the state.
Online registration closes Saturday, Nov. 1. Find the full agenda and registration information on AOC’s conference webpage.
Contributed by: Erin Good | Communications Coordinator
Aug 27, 2025 | AOC News
The Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) recently hosted the Western States Staff Meet-up, an annual event that began in Boise, Idaho, in 2017. AOC staff welcomed their peers from eight neighboring state associations — Alaska, California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming — to network, learn, and share best practices from their organizations.
The two-day event featured breakout sessions tailored to the interests and roles of county association staff. Topics covered included communications, event planning, legislative policy, member engagement, business partnerships, office culture, professional development, and more.
In addition to networking and sharing ideas, attendees toured the Marion County Jail and the nearby 213-acre Oregon Public Safety Academy, which certifies and trains Oregon’s police, corrections, and parole and probation officers, firefighters, telecommunicators and emergency medical dispatchers, and regulatory specialists.
Attendees were also treated to a tour of the Oregon State Capitol State Park by AOC Legislative Affairs Manager Branden Pursinger. Since the capitol is under construction, Branden beguiled attendees with trivia and historical facts, such as the unfortunate demise of the previous two capitol buildings. He also pointed out the Moon Tree, a state heritage tree that was grown from a seed carried to the moon by Apollo 14 in 1971.
AOC staff’s participation in the Western States Staff Meet-Up was a valuable opportunity for professional growth and collaboration, and we are excited to attend the meet-up in 2026, hosted by the Washington Association of Counties.
Contributed by: Erin Good | Communications Coordinator
Aug 20, 2025 | AOC News
The Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) is excited to welcome Jill Rees as its new member services director.
Jill brings over 25 years of public service experience, most recently serving as the deputy state director for Rural Development at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Oregon.
“Jill’s strong background in strategic engagement, outreach, and relationship building make her a strong fit for our team,” said Executive Director Gina Nikkel. “We are thrilled to have her on board, and confident she will be a tremendous asset to our members and the counties we serve.”
Jill’s first day was Monday, Aug. 11.
Contributed by: Erin Good | Communications Coordinator
