Mar 10, 2025 | AOC News
The Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) strengthened its legislative advocacy with the addition of Joe Casey on Feb. 25, as legislative affairs coordinator.
With a strong background in public policy, regulatory work, and legislative analysis, Joe brings valuable experience as a campaign manager and legislative staffer. His expertise will support advancing AOC’s policy priorities during the 2025 legislative session.
AOC Executive Director Gina Nikkel expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “Joe’s deep understanding of policy and legislative processes make him an invaluable asset to AOC’s advocacy efforts.”
Contributed by: Erin Good | Communications Coordinator
Mar 10, 2025 | AOC News, NACo
The Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) joined nearly 2,000 county leaders from across the country for the National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Conference March 1-4. Featured speakers included two cabinet secretaries along with members of Congress from both the U.S. House and Senate, including Oregon Senator Ron Wyden.
Over 30 Oregon county leaders and representatives of AOC participated in the conference, engaging in policy discussions through NACo’s policy steering committee process, as well as breakout and general sessions, hearing from a range of speakers in the federal government. These sessions covered a broad spectrum of critical issues, including tax and budget reconciliation, SALT and tax-exempt municipal bonds, disaster preparedness and management, artificial intelligence (AI), behavioral health and the county implications of policies being implemented during the first 100 days of the new administration.
For newly elected Benton County Commissioner Gabe Shepherd, a first-time attendee, the conference provided invaluable connections. “It was fascinating to hear from commissioners across the country how different our job is in each state,” he noted.
A key focus for the Oregon delegation was advocating for AOC’s federal policy priorities on Capitol Hill. AOC members and staff held meetings with Oregon’s Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, as well as Representatives Suzanne Bonamici, Janelle Bynum, Cliff Bentz, Andrea Salinas, Val Hoyle, and the office of Maxine Dexter. These discussions centered on vital issues such as the Secure Rural Schools program, the Federal Consolidated Appropriations Act’s impact on state Medicaid coverage for youth in custody, the Federal Victims of Crime Act, and implementation of the FEMA Biological Opinion.
AOC First Vice President and Tillamook County Commissioner Erin Skaar emphasized the value of these meetings. “Meeting with Oregon’s senators and representatives gave me a new perspective into the workings of the federal government and provided insight into how to be more effective in discussions with federal officials and agencies,” she remarked.
Ultimately, the NACo Legislative Conference provided AOC and its members with crucial opportunities to influence federal policy, enabling them to better serve their communities across Oregon.
For more details about the 2025 NACo Legislative Conference, click here.
Contributed by: Erin Good | Communications Coordinator
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
