The Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) is a 24-member staff of professional employees with broad duties and skill-sets. Each team member helps make AOC the success it is today. Here is an opportunity to meet a member of your AOC team.

Meet AOC Executive Director, Gina Firman Nikkel, Ph.D.

Gina Firman Nikkel, Ph.D. joined the AOC team in March of 2020. In her role, Gina is responsible for leading the 36-county member organization and its partners in driving AOC’s mission to unite 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. Gina oversees a 24-member staff, and her work is directed by the AOC Board of Directors.

For the nine years immediately prior to joining the AOC team, Gina served as the president and chief executive officer at the Foundation for Excellence in Mental Health Care.

Having previously served as a Tillamook County Commissioner (1993 to 2001); engaging in the National Association of Counties (NACo) as Watershed Advisory Committee co chair, Human Services Committee member, and Public Lands Committee member; and serving as a community mental health organization leader, Gina brings a wealth of experience in county issues to AOC.

She holds a doctorate degree in education focusing on public policy and leadership from the University of Oregon, and a master’s degree in counseling and bachelor’s degree in theater and dance from Portland State University.

AOC Board of Directors

Gina’s position is overseen by the AOC Board of Directors. The board is responsible for organization oversight, addressing general organization structure and operations functions, contractual arrangements, and personnel matters. 

Why Gina Loves AOC

“I love working at AOC because AOC provides a platform for commissioners, judges, and chairs to connect on the peer-to-peer level to collaboratively solve critical issues facing our counties.” 

What Interests Gina in Her Work

“Counties provide critical services to Oregonians, and the work this association and our members do every day makes lasting impacts across the state.”

What Gina Wants to See in the Future for AOC

“These are exciting times for us. AOC has seen a number of positive changes under the direction of the board. I look forward to AOC evolving and adapting to the needs of the membership identified through our visioning process.”

Outside of AOC

In her free time, Gina enjoys working out, genealogy, and spending time with her family and friends.

Contributed by: Megan Chuinard | Public Affairs Associate