Mar 30, 2026 | AOC Business Partner
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: CIS
(Photo: CIS Executive Director Patrick Priest congratulated Wallowa County Commissioner Lisa Collier for the County winning the CIS Excellence in Safety Award.)
County leaders from across Oregon gathered in Eugene on Nov. 20 for the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) Annual Business Meeting, where CIS honored three counties for exceptional safety leadership. As a member-owned risk pool, CIS operates solely for Oregon cities and counties — not shareholders — and for 45 years has stood alongside local governments like family, offering unwavering support in good times and challenging ones. These awards celebrate how counties are turning that partnership into real-world improvements that protect employees and strengthen communities.
“Creating safer workplaces means creating stronger communities,” said CIS Executive Director Patrick Priest. “These counties set the standard for what it looks like to lead with intention.” AOC President and CIS Board Chair John Shafer joined Patrick in presenting the honors.
Wallowa County — Excellence in Safety
Wallowa County earned the Excellence in Safety Award for its outstanding record in reducing injuries and preventing hazards. Over the past four years, the county logged just nine time-loss days and $60,960 in total paid workers’ compensation claims — an exceptional achievement for any local government employer.
The Safety Committee, led by Ashley Immoos, drove improvements that focused on rapid response, preparedness, and access to safety resources. Safety kits and grab-and-go first aid supplies in county vehicles support faster response to injuries in the field, while escape ladders and emergency paging improve evacuation and communication during emergencies. A centralized SharePoint site ensures employees can quickly access safety procedures and training materials, reinforcing consistent practices across departments. Commissioners Lisa Collier and John Hillock accepted the award. Wallowa County sets the standard for safety leadership, proving that proactive planning pays off.
Umatilla County — Excellence in Best Practices
Umatilla County earned the Excellence in Best Practices Award for transformational progress in reducing claims and strengthening safety systems. The county scored 82% on CIS’ Best Practice Survey and cut workers’ comp losses dramatically: paid claims dropped from $229,176 in the 2022-23 coverage year to $83,225 in 2024-25, and time-loss days fell 75%, from 425 to 108. Key initiatives focused on preventing injuries and strengthening day-to-day safety practices. Ergonomic assessments helped identify and correct workstation hazards, lowering the risk of repetitive-motion injuries and strains. Expanded CIS training reinforced safe work practices across departments. Upgraded building security — including fob access and cameras — reduced the risk of workplace incidents, while an electronic hazardous materials system ensures employees can quickly access critical safety information during emergencies. The County also installed an air-filtration system to help alleviate smoky indoor air caused by a nearby building fire. Director of Administrative Services Dan Lonai played a pivotal role for the County’s improved safety efforts, and Commissioners John Shafer, Cindy Timmons, and Dan Dorran accepted the award. Umatilla County’s results show what happens when prevention becomes a priority.
Wasco County — CIS Innovation Award
Wasco County received the CIS Innovation Award for its creative, collaborative approach to safety. Since joining the CIS Servicing Group powered by SAIF, the county has kept workers’ comp losses exceptionally low — just 22 time-loss days and $15,515 in total paid workers’ compensation claims over the two most recent coverage years. It also scored 92% on the Best Practice Survey and cut its experience mod from 1.31 to 0.70. Innovations included department-level safety committees, biannual safety reports, a new Health and Safety Manual, countywide safety bulletin boards, quarterly in-person training, and a formal Fleet Management Program. Together, these efforts embedded safety into daily operations, improving hazard recognition, reinforcing accountability, and reducing preventable injuries across departments. HR Director Fiona Ferguson accepted the award, reflecting a culture that prioritizes employee well-being — even in collective bargaining agreements. Wasco County’s innovative approach reflects a culture of resilience and care for its workforce.
Congratulations to Wallowa, Umatilla, and Wasco counties. These achievements show that safety leadership isn’t just compliance — it’s about building resilient organizations and stronger communities. CIS is proud to stand with AOC and its members in this work, continuing a partnership built on trust and shared responsibility. Together, we’re building safer, stronger, and healthier communities.
Mar 30, 2026 | AOC Business Partner
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: Covenant Technology Solutions
Most county incidents start the same way: a login that shouldn’t have worked. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is essential—but it’s no longer the finish line. Counties can reduce account takeover risk significantly by adding a few practical identity controls that fit real-world staffing and budgets.
Here are five high-impact improvements to layer on top of MFA:
1) Conditional access (smart sign-in rules)
Block or challenge sign-ins from risky locations, unknown devices, or impossible travel.
2) Least privilege (limit admin power)
Make sure admin access is rare, time-bound, and tied to role—not convenience.
3) Separate admin accounts (no daily work as admin)
Administrators should have a dedicated admin account, not “one account that does everything.”
4) Reduce legacy authentication
Disable older login methods that bypass modern protections.
5) Monitor risky sign-ins + create a simple response routine
Set a cadence to review risky sign-ins and respond quickly (reset credentials, remove access, verify device health).
Quick win: run a 30-minute review of “Who has admin access today?” and remove anything that doesn’t match current responsibilities.
Want a structured way to implement these controls over time? Explore Fortify or start with a Security Score Assessment to baseline your current exposure.
Want to go deeper? Read the full guide at https://covenant-tech.net/blog/identity-controls-county-government-microsoft-365/
Feb 24, 2026 | AOC Business Partner
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: CIS
CIS has a new look, and it tells our story in a single glance: CIS is Oregon’s risk pool. This isn’t just a design update — it’s a clearer expression of who we are, how we operate, and why Oregon’s cities and counties trust CIS as a long-term partner.
For years, explaining CIS to new staff or elected officials could be challenging. We’re not a for-profit company. CIS is a member-owned risk pool made up of Oregon’s cities and counties, operating much like a nonprofit. Our purpose is simple: to help Oregon’s cities and counties manage risk and protect public resources. Every decision we make is by and for our members. That’s the essence of a risk pool — local governments joining together to share costs, stabilize budgets, and strengthen one another against unexpected challenges. Today, CIS serves nearly all of Oregon’s cities and most of its counties — a level of participation that reflects our role as Oregon’s risk pool and the trust local governments place in the model.
As part of this update, CIS is also formally retiring the use of “Citycounty Insurance Services.” While the organization shortened its name years ago, the full name — and variations like “CCIS” — have remained a long-standing source of confusion. Going forward, we are simply CIS, which better reflects who we are today and aligns with how members, partners, and staff already refer to us.
The new logo reflects that identity. It’s clean and contemporary, anchored by Oregon’s silhouette to show our roots and our commitment to communities statewide. The words “Oregon’s Risk Pool” appear prominently, leaving no doubt about who we are and what we do. It’s a visual cue that reinforces what members already know: CIS is about partnership, not profit.
Several design elements were intentionally chosen to reflect both our mission and our connection to Oregon. The primary green used in the logo was inspired by Oregon’s evergreen forests — while the bold, modern lettering gives the mark a contemporary feel without sacrificing the strength and stability members associate with CIS.
At its heart, the refreshed logo reflects the relationship CIS has built with its members over decades — one grounded in ownership, financial strength, and expertise. It represents our shared commitment to providing stability, defending against complex claims, and investing in prevention. Just as important, it reinforces CIS’ role as a collaborative resource, offering comprehensive coverages and services tailored to public entities, from liability and property protection to employee benefits, HR support, and risk management consulting. While the look has evolved, our commitment to serving Oregon’s cities and counties with integrity and care remains unchanged.
Members will see the new logo across CIS communications, publications, and signage. It’s a fresh look, but the promise behind it remains the same: CIS stands with Oregon’s cities and counties in good times and bad — providing stability, partnership, and long-term protection for the communities you serve.
Jan 28, 2026 | AOC Business Partner
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: Covenant Technology Solutions
Counties don’t need a “perfect” cybersecurity program to make meaningful progress—they need a roadmap that fits real life: limited staff, tight budgets, and services that can’t pause.
Here’s a simple 3-stage approach we use with Oregon counties to move from uncertainty to steady improvement—without turning every meeting into a fire drill.
- VISIBILITY (Know what you’re protecting)
- Confirm your “crown jewels”: email, finance/payroll, public safety systems, records, and backups.
- Run a baseline check: exposed credentials/dark web, email spoofing risk (DMARC), and basic security posture.
- Make sure you know who has admin access—and why.
- HARDENING (Shut the easy doors)
- Lock down identity: strong MFA + conditional access, remove stale accounts, tighten admin roles.
- Patch what’s most exploited first: internet-facing systems, remote access, high-risk devices.
- Ensure backups can restore—test one critical restore, not “someday.”
- CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT (Stay ready)
- Set a cadence: weekly alert review, monthly access review, quarterly tabletop exercise.
- Track leadership-friendly metrics: restore success, downtime avoided, phishing risk reduced.
Quick win for January: schedule a 30-minute “Crown Jewels + Admin Access” review. It’s the fastest way to reduce risk and clarify priorities.
Want the full roadmap? Read the expanded guide here: https://covenant-tech.net/blog/county-cybersecurity-roadmap-2026/
Want to see how this roadmap maps to a structured solution? Explore Fortify.
Jan 28, 2026 | AOC Business Partner
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: CIS
The CIS Annual Conference returns Feb. 25–27, 2026, bringing city and county leaders together in Salem and online for three days of learning, connection, and practical problem-solving. Now in its 24th year, this fully hybrid conference is built for Oregon’s public sector, with timely guidance on risk management, public safety, employee benefits, and organizational leadership — delivered in a format that works whether you attend in person or virtually.
The conference is designed to be both accessible and high impact. CIS offers one of the lowest conference registration fees among comparable public-sector events and provides a member grant program to help offset attendance costs — a benefit unique to CIS. By making participation affordable, CIS helps ensure members can receive early rate indications and receive practical education focused on claim prevention, risk reduction, and workforce wellbeing. This shared learning supports the overall health of the pool and helps control claims and long-term costs for all members.
The conference opens Wednesday with focused tracks for Public Safety professionals and Small Members, setting the tone with sessions grounded in real-world experience. Small members begin the day with a practical overview of CIS services and support, helping newer or smaller organizations quickly understand how to access risk management, claims, HR, and benefits resources. At the same time, public safety attendees dive into relationship-building strategies that strengthen trust between command staff, city managers, elected officials, and community partners — an essential foundation for navigating high-pressure incidents and public scrutiny.
Mid-morning sessions address the issues members face every day. Claims experts walk through property and liability claims from incident to resolution, giving attendees confidence in documentation, reporting, and next steps. Public safety leaders explore fitness-for-duty exams, prescreening tools, and emerging technology designed to support employee wellness while reducing risk. Cybersecurity takes center stage for small members, with cost-effective tools and collaborative solutions that make enterprise-level protection more accessible, even on limited budgets.
The afternoon shifts toward prevention and preparedness. Safety and emergency management sessions offer clear starting points for small organizations building safety programs and disaster response plans. Legal and HR-focused presentations unpack common pitfalls — from lawsuits and compliance missteps to hiring and performance challenges — providing straightforward guidance attendees can apply immediately. The day concludes with sessions on maximizing CIS benefits and navigating line-of-duty loss, underscoring CIS’ commitment to supporting members through both everyday operations and their most difficult moments.
Thursday brings all attendees together for general sessions and breakouts. The opening welcome and annual report provide a snapshot of CIS operations and a look ahead, including preliminary rate projections. Keynote speaker Laura Putnam follows with an energizing look at building cultures of wellbeing that support focus, safety, and performance across organizations. Throughout the day, members can choose sessions on cybersecurity threats, the full life of a claim, benefits updates, case law, recruitment, leave and accommodations, public works liability, and employee assistance resources. Fast-paced Popcorn Sessions add variety and inspiration, while the Agent & Member Update and CTAC Meeting create space for dialogue, feedback, and shared planning.
Friday closes the conference with inspiration and hands-on learning. Keynote speaker Hoan Do challenges attendees to think differently about connection and engagement, followed by practical workshops on documentation, volunteer program management, emergency response lessons from recent disasters, safety committee innovation, and progressive discipline. The conference wraps up with the always-popular Shark Tank & Lunch, where members vote to award risk management grant funding to projects that reduce claims and strengthen communities.
Across all three days, attendees can earn insurance, MCLE, SHRM, and DPSST credits through qualifying sessions. Whether joining in Salem or online, participants have access to live sessions and on-demand recordings for up to 90 days after the event, making it easy to revisit key takeaways and share them with their teams.
“No other event even comes close to the CIS Annual Conference. Year after year, it sets the gold standard.” — 2025 Conference attendee
Members are encouraged to register early to take full advantage of the conference experience. The 2026 CIS Annual Conference offers insights, tools, and relationships members need to reduce risk, manage change, and better serve their communities.
Explore the Full Conference Experience
The 2026 CIS Annual Conference offers 34 sessions over three days, with dedicated tracks for Public Safety and Small Members, general sessions, hands-on workshops, and returning favorites like Popcorn Sessions and Shark Tank.
The Small Members Track is also a great option for anyone new to CIS, offering practical overviews of CIS services, tools, and resources — and a strong foundation for navigating risk management, claims, benefits, HR, and training support.
“A great learning opportunity and a place to network with others in our community.” — 2025 Conference attendee
CIS is also unique in offering a fully hybrid conference experience, with every session available both in person and virtually — giving members flexibility to participate without missing content. All registrants also receive access to on-demand session recordings for up to 90 days after the event — making it easy to revisit key takeaways or share them with your team.
View the full agenda, see available credits, and register at cisoregon.org/conference.
Jan 28, 2026 | AOC Business Partner
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: Center for Public Service
Across Oregon, county leaders are facing a common challenge: critical projects are stacking up while staffing remains tight. To bridge this gap, Portland State University’s Center for Public Service (CPS) is connecting Oregon counties with a pipeline of exceptionally qualified, diverse, and highly trained project managers through its 2025-26 Fellowship Program.
These fellows are recruited from over 60 prestigious graduate institutions nationwide and are specifically prepared to support counties in high-impact areas such as community engagement, program evaluation, climate policy, health equity, and data-driven research.
Strategic Support for County Goals
The program offers two distinct models tailored to different organizational needs and timelines:
- The Hatfield Resident Fellowship ($46,782): An eight-month commitment for recent Master’s and Ph.D. graduates ready to lead long-term, complex initiatives.
- The Oregon Summer Fellowship ($11,416): A ten-week intensive program designed for currently enrolled graduate students to tackle immediate, short-term project goals.
Real-World Results in Oregon Counties
County sponsorship has already proven to be a high-value investment. In recent years, counties have successfully utilized fellows to modernize internal operations. For example:
- Succession Planning: One Oregon county contracted a Summer Fellow to develop a succession plan for key positions, review workforce processes, and build new institutional relationships. The fellow’s recommendations provided significant long-term value for the county’s future planning.
- Operational Efficiency: Another county utilized a fellow to review internal fee practices and organizational structures. By conducting staff interviews and developing an effective data dashboard, the fellow directly improved the county’s programmatic efficiency.
A Streamlined Path to Partnership
PSU manages the rigorous screening and recruitment process, ensuring that sponsors are matched with candidates who possess a strong record of scholarship and a demonstrated interest in public service. Once a match is confirmed, PSU assists with the inter-governmental agreement and provides specialized training to the fellow before they arrive at your office. These fellowships offer a unique win-win: your county gains professional capacity for essential projects, while a rising leader gains invaluable experience in local government.
Ready to expand your team?
Counties interested in hosting a fellow for the upcoming cycle are encouraged to visit the PSU website and submit a sponsor application: https://www.pdx.edu/center-for-public-service/sponsor-fellow. For direct inquiries, please contact Program Administrator Meaghan Lingo at mlingo@pdx.edu.
