Christopher L. Neal has been appointed Multnomah County’s next Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Director of County Management. The Board of Commissioners unanimously confirmed his appointment on March 13 after Chair Jessica Vega Pederson selected him from a pool of 84 applicants following a national search. Neal will officially begin his new role on April 7.
“It’s a big job at a pivotal moment,” said Vega Pederson. “It’s one Chris is uniquely qualified to fill.”
Neal assumes leadership at a critical time for the County, which is grappling with budget shortfalls in both its general fund and homeless services. In his new position, Neal will oversee the daily operations of the County and manage more than 6,000 employees. He will also support senior leaders to ensure administrative effectiveness, financial management, and operational consistency. Additionally, Neal is tasked with further implementing the County’s Workforce Equity Strategic Plan and developing its long-term strategic goals.
Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards expressed confidence in Neal’s qualifications.
“I think you’re exactly what we need at this moment in time,” she said. “You’re strategic, you follow best practices, and you’re committed to the mission of the County.”
In his remarks to the Board, Neal acknowledged the significant challenges ahead.
“We all know that during these times of adversity, we become our most creative, bold, and daring,” he said. “These qualities have carried us through to the other side before, and they will again.”
Neal outlined his leadership approach, emphasizing transparency, communication, and partnership.
“I will lead with transparency because it leads to trust in our work,” he said. “I’ll listen actively to understand and respond effectively, and I’ll ensure we communicate early and often about our goals and vision.”
He also credited County employees and volunteers as his inspiration for accepting the role.
“These heroes inspire me to do more, and we have 6,000 of them in Multnomah County — employees who run shelters, lift bridges, treat the sick, and comfort our elders,” he said. “We have hundreds of volunteers who walk the dogs at the shelter, participate in budget committees, and supplement our staff. They are why I’m here today.”
Neal brings substantial leadership experience to the role. Most recently, he served as Director and Sponsor of Operations for PDX Next at the Port of Portland. There, he led a series of transformative projects at Portland International Airport, including the renovation of the main terminal, expansion of concourses, and seismic upgrades. The main terminal, which opened in August 2024, is the largest public works project in Oregon’s history and is set to double the airport’s capacity by 2026. More than 30,000 local craftspeople are contributing to the project’s completion.
Before his work at PDX Next, Neal served as Director of Public Safety and Security at the Port of Portland, overseeing the Port’s police, fire, and airport communications center. His career also includes leadership roles with the Transportation Security Administration at major airports including Portland, Reagan National, Dulles, and Denver.
A veteran of the U.S. Army, Neal served on the Presidential Honor Guard in Washington, D.C., escorting President George W. Bush. He holds a bachelor’s degree in international and government relations from George Mason University.
Commissioners Meghan Moyer and Shannon Singleton expressed strong support for Neal. Commissioner Vince Jones-Dixon also thanked Deputy COO Travis Graves, who served as interim COO since September 2024, and welcomed Neal with optimism.
“You mentioned building America’s favorite airport,” Jones-Dixon said. “I believe our board is looking forward to working with you to build America’s favorite County as well — so welcome, welcome.”
