Feb 3, 2025 | AOC News
The Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) has hired Will Fett as member services director.
Fett has a wealth of experience in strategic outreach and program development, and most recently has been leading engagement in conservation programs for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
“I am confident that with Will’s experience fundraising, coordinating events, and building strong relationships, he will be a great fit to lead AOC’s Member Services Department,” said AOC Executive Director Gina Nikkel.
Will’s first day is Monday, Feb. 3.
Contributed by: Erin Good | Communications Coordinator
Jan 30, 2025 | AOC News
New county commissioners, judges, chairs, and staff from across Oregon came together in January for the launch of a new class of County College. This biennial program, established in 2006 by the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) in partnership with the Oregon State University Extension Service, provides a platform for new members to connect and gain important insights into county government.
The 2025 cohort includes new AOC members from 20 different counties, along with staff from OSU Extension Services, which hosted the first session.
With class sizes averaging between 20 and 30 participants, one of the program’s greatest strengths is the opportunity to network and build relationships with colleagues from across the state. “AOC is proud to continue offering this essential service to our members,” commented AOC Executive Director Gina Nikkel. “This program is truly unique, and the connections formed during class will provide members with invaluable support well into the future.”
The program offers sessions led by professionals in core county service areas, including community and economic development, finance, human services, infrastructure and public works, public safety, leadership, and management.
This first session offered valuable information on county government, public meetings law, and the legislative process. Attendees heard presentations from the Oregon Government Ethics Commission and Benton County. In addition, OSU Extension Services Interim Director Dr. Kris Elliot and directors from all their programming highlighted their many services.
“Session 1 of AOC County College was an amazing kickoff to building important relationships with other leaders from around our great state and offered a strong foundation of partners and resources available from OSU Extension Services,” commented Wallowa County Commissioner Lisa Collier. “ AOC County College is a safe and well-designed space for learning about my new role. I can’t wait for session 2!”
For more information on County College visit: https://oregoncounties.org/ed-events/#countycollege
Contributed by: Erin Good | Communications Coordinator
Jan 27, 2025 | AOC News
The Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) has hired Justin Low as a legislative affairs manager, covering issues related to governance, revenue, and economic development.
Low brings considerable experience in legislative affairs to AOC, having previously served as a staffer in the Capitol and as the Associate Director of Policy and Research at the Oregon Justice Resource Center. In these roles, he was responsible for analyzing legislation, conducting fiscal reviews, and effectively communicating policy positions to a wide range of stakeholders.
“Justin’s expertise in policy research, ORS and OAR proficiency, and understanding of the legislative fiscal process will be invaluable assets to our team,” said Gina Nikkel, AOC executive director.
Contributed by: Erin Good | Communications Coordinator
Dec 18, 2024 | AOC News, Health & Human Services, News
In his inaugural address at this year’s annual conference, the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) President John Shafer (Umatilla County) announced his 2025 presidential initiative, which will “focus on mental and behavioral health to equip us all to exercise our local mental health authority to foster healthy, vibrant, and safe counties across Oregon.”
Shafer’s dedication to mental and behavioral health began during his time with the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office where he saw firsthand the need for a cohesive and coordinated system of care that provides both behavioral and mental health services. As a newly elected Umatilla County Commissioner, Shafer sought out a service provider that would offer comprehensive behavioral and mental services under one Community Mental Health Program (CMHP), and this model is what Umatilla County still uses today.
“Counties are the local mental health authority,” Shafer explained. “We are responsible for coordinating a continuum of evidence-based services and support for mental health and substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery, mobile crisis response, jail diversion, and court mandated treatment that meet the assessed needs of our residents.”
Shafer encouraged fellow county commissioners to familiarize themselves with their CHMP directors, local service providers, and Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs), and to gain a deeper understanding of their county’s system of care.
Shafer’s presidential initiative kicks off in January with the first in a series of monthly challenges.
January’s challenge:
- Read this short primer on local mental health governance in Oregon, authored by Malheur County CMHP Director Steve Jensen, and to join a brief presentation by Greater Oregon Behavioral Health (GOBHI) CEO Ann Ford at the AOC Legislative Committee meeting on Monday afternoon, Jan. 13.
Stay tuned for additional learning opportunities throughout the year and a celebration at the 2025 AOC Annual Conference.
Contributed by: Erin Good | Communications Coordinator
Dec 12, 2024 | AOC News, News
The Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) swore in a new executive committee during the 2024 AOC Annual Conference in Eugene, Ore. at the association’s annual business meeting.
Umatilla County Commissioner John Shafer now serves as the association president. Shafer is joined on the AOC executive team by first vice president, Tillamook County Commissioner Erin Skaar; second vice president, Sherman County Judge Joe Dabulskis; treasurer, Lake County Commissioner James Williams; and immediate past president, Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell. The executive team will work together during 2025 to lead the organization to success and ensure AOC meets its core mission of uniting Oregon’s 36 counties.
AOC currently has five policy steering committees. The committees are staffed by the Legislative Affairs department and are chaired by AOC members appointed yearly by the AOC president. President Shafer appointed the following co-chairs to AOC steering committees:
Governance, Revenue, and Economic Development
- Columbia County Commissioner Casey Garrett
- Clatsop County Commissioner Lianne Thompson
Health and Human Services
- Wasco County Commissioner Phil Brady
- Washington County Commissioner Nafisa Fai
Natural Resources
- Union County Commissioner Paul Anderes
- Polk County Commissioner Craig Pope
Public Safety and Veterans
- Baker County Chair Shane Alderson
- Polk County Commissioner Jeremy Gordon
Transportation and Community Development
- Umatilla County Commissioner Dan Dorran
- Benton County Commissioner Nancy Wyse
Contributed by: Erin Good | Communications Coordinator
Dec 5, 2024 | AOC News, Events, News
Over 600 county officials, agency leaders, partners, and exhibitors converged at the 2024 AOC Annual Conference held Nov. 19-22, in Eugene, Oregon. This three-day event focused on networking, learning, and building relationships to better serve Oregon’s communities.
Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell, the outgoing AOC president, emphasized the importance of collaboration and engagement. “The conference reflected the work of the association this year,” said Bethell, “where we showed up, worked out our differences, and came together to advocate for all counties.”
Bethell passed the torch to Umatilla County Commissioner John Shafer, who will lead the organization in 2025. Other newly elected officers include First Vice President Erin Skaar (Tillamook), Second Vice President Joe Dabulskis (Sherman), and Treasurer James Williams (Lake). Bethell was installed as Immediate Past President.
Both general sessions focused on navigating our differences. Keynote speaker Tareq Azim challenged the audience to embrace fear and shared tools to encourage them to create spaces to address uncomfortable topics. Kit Chalberg, Senior Director, Programs for Convergence, led an interactive session on how to bridge divides in our organizations and communities.
A special orientation was held for newly elected commissioners, judges, and chairs. This half-day session provided an opportunity for commissioners-elect to hear tips for a successful first year in office from the AOC Executive Committee and the Oregon Government Ethics Commission. All newly elected commissioners are invited to attend AOC’s County College, which begins in January.
Educational sessions addressed critical issues facing Oregon’s counties, including transportation funding, rural housing, wildfire mitigation, and land use policy. Key themes included the need for sustainable funding, innovative partnerships, and data-driven approaches to address these challenges.
Governor Tina Kotek joined the conference to express her gratitude to county leaders for working tirelessly to lift up their communities. She emphasized the importance of a strong partnership between the state and counties, highlighting shared values and a commitment to collaborative problem-solving.
The conference also featured a lunch session with Western Interstate Region (WIR) President Wes McCart, an update from the Oregon Public Utility Commission, and numerous networking opportunities, including an agency partner meet and greet and meetings with federal delegation staff.
The conference concluded with “Wander Oregon,” a product tasting that showcased the diverse offerings of Oregon’s counties. Attendees sampled an array of local delights, including cheese and charcuterie, pastries and pies, handcrafted chocolates, local honey and lavender, craft beers and wine, and authentic fry bread.
Executive Director Gina Nikkel reflected on the conference, stating, “This invaluable time together allowed us to strengthen connections, identify shared goals, and collaboratively work toward solutions that benefit our communities. We look forward to working with President Shafer and all our members next year to continue supporting counties and their communities.”
Contributed by: Erin Good | Communications Coordinator
