 News media contact:
John Brady
503-823-7375
John.Brady@portlandoregon.gov
Portland Bureau of Transportation
@pbotinfo
News Release:
PBOT announces experienced public sector
manager and transportation policy expert Chris Warner as new Assistant Director
(September 15, 2016) – Today, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT)
announced that Chris Warner will join PBOT as the bureau’s new Assistant
Director. Warner, currently Commissioner Steve Novick’s Chief of Staff, will
bring over two decades of government and public policy experience to the
position. Warner will start on November 14th and will replace current
Assistant Director Maurice Henderson, who has been named Mayor-elect Ted
Wheeler’s Chief of Staff and Director of Strategic Initiatives.
“I asked Chris to join PBOT, and I’m thrilled that he agreed
to take this position,” said Director Leah Treat. “As Commissioner Novick’s Chief
of Staff, Chris has been a partner with PBOT on some of Portland’s most
important transportation initiatives, including Vision Zero, Fixing our
Streets, BIKETOWN and the overhaul of the Private-for-Hire system. Having
served for six years as Governor Kulongoski’s senior transportation advisor, he
has key relationships around the state. This wealth of transportation expertise
and government experience will be invaluable as PBOT moves forward with its
mission to get Portlanders from place to place, safely, easily and
sustainably.”
“Chris is the ideal
choice for this position,” said Transportation Commissioner Steve Novick. “Over
the last four years, I have consistently relied on Chris’s policy expertise and
sound political judgment. In fact, one of the key reasons that I requested to
oversee the Bureau of Transportation is that I wanted Portland to benefit from
Chris’s broad transportation expertise. I extremely grateful for his wise
counsel and his dedicated service to the people of Portland. He’s an effective
manager and has guided my office with a sure hand. I’m confident he will have
an immediate impact at PBOT; the bureau is lucky to have him."
"Chris embodies the required knowledge, insight and
experience from all levels of government I would expect this position to hold,”
said Alando Simpson, member of the Oregon Transportation Commission and Vice
President and owner of Rose City Disposal and Recycling. “I'm looking forward
to seeing what types of sustainable and innovative approaches he brings to the
table for PBOT and most importantly, the City of Portland!"
Along with Governor Kulongoski and Commissioner Novick,
Warner has held senior management and leadership positions with Senator Ron
Wyden and Multnomah County Commissioner Loretta Smith. He also worked as a
legislative assistant responsible for transportation issues for US
Representative Peter DeFazio. As Senior Transportation Policy Advisor for
Governor Kulongoski, Warner successfully shepherded both the original 2005 ConnectOregon legislation and the 2009
Jobs and Transportation Act, the largest transportation in state history,
through the Legislature.
To facilitate a smooth transition, Warner will remain with
Commissioner Novick through early November. He will be succeeded by Katie
Shriver as Commissioner Novick’s Chief of Staff. Maurice Henderson will join
Mayor-elect Wheeler’s transition team starting November 1st.
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The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is the steward of the City’s transportation system, and a community partner in shaping a livable city. We plan, build, manage and maintain an effective and safe transportation system that provides access and mobility. Learn more at www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation
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