Duke-Driessen to be appointed interim county counsel

Former Senior Assistant County Counsel Cortney Duke-Driessen has been chosen to serve as interim county counsel for Washington County, taking over for Brad Anderson who has submitted his resignation with his last day to occur on August 4. Duke-Driessen will begin her service as the interim county counsel following adoption of her appointment on June 4 by the Board of County Commissioners.

Duke-Driessen has served Washington County for the past 11 years, providing legal counsel on a range of matters including capital projects, transportation, facilities, parks and Washington County’s use of millions of federal dollars to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Washington County Board of Commissioners intends to begin a national search before appointing the next executive leader of the organization’s in-house law office.

“Cortney is an exceptional attorney, a dedicated public servant and an outstanding choice to lead the Office of County Counsel as part of our One Washington County team during this interim period. Thanks to Brad’s 18 years of service to Washington County, Cortney has an excellent foundation from which to build. I know I’m not alone as a member of the board in feeling proud of these two accomplished lawyers and all of their County Counsel colleagues,” said Board Chair Kathryn Harrington.

Prior to joining Washington County, Duke-Driessen was a managing partner with Schroeder Law Offices where her clients included special districts and agricultural water organizations. Her 10-years of work at Schroeder included negotiating intergovernmental agreements, engaging in civil litigation and contested case hearings, advising clients on public meetings and records law and other matters. Duke-Driessen earned her bachelor's degree in health and fitness management from Concordia University in Oregon and her juris doctoral degree from Valparaiso School of Law in Valparaiso, Indiana.

“I’m humbled by this interim appointment by the board and I’m in awe of the talent, knowledge and skill my colleagues in County Counsel bring to the organization every day. I also want to express my appreciation for Brad and the leadership and guidance he has provided me and my colleagues throughout his tenure with Washington County,” said Duke-Driessen.

Anderson joined Washington County in 2006. Prior to that, he served as civil deputy district attorney for Linn County for eight years and county counsel for Baker County for nearly three years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Oregon State University and received his juris doctorate degree from University of Oregon School of Law.

“I am grateful for my time serving the people of Washington County over the past 18 years,” said Anderson. “I am proud of the work we have been able to accomplish during my tenure, and I am excited about this next chapter. I know the Washington County team will continue to thrive in the months and years ahead with the support of Cortney Duke-Driessen as interim county counsel.”

The Office of County Counsel provides legal advice to the Washington County government and affiliated agencies. The office represents the Board of County Commissioners, County Administrative Office, all county departments, including the Sheriff’s Office, along with the Housing Authority, Fair Board, Enhanced Sheriff’s Patrol District, Urban Road Maintenance District, North Bethany County Service District for Roads, Service District for Lighting and Cooperative Library Services. The office is supported by an annual budget of $4.4 million and is staffed by 16 full-time-equivalent positions.