Retirement Decision

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Davis to Step Down as County Administrator in December

The Washington County Board of Commissioners adopted a new contract with Robert Davis this week so that he can continue in the role as county administrator over the next seven months in a retired status. The move comes as changes to the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) are anticipated to take effect over the next 12 months stemming from legislative changes. Davis has served Washington County for over 35 years, 13 of which as county administrator.

"Bob is a highly experienced, widely respected and skilled public administrator who has served this county well for more than three decades," said Board Chair Kathryn Harrington. "Our board is grateful that he is willing to continue serving over the next seven months in a retirement status as we work to find the right person to fill his very big shoes."

“The new Board of Commissioners has a lot of energy and enthusiasm, and is committed to working hard to make Washington County an even better place to live and work,” said Davis in a letter to the board, sent just prior to the board approving his contract. “I enjoy working with the new board and look forward to discussing with you the possibility of returning to work for the remainder of this calendar year in a post-retirement status.”

Davis has been county administrator for the 2,105-employeee organization since 2006. Prior to that, he served as assistant county administrator for 20 years.

The board of commissioners is in the beginning stages of planning a national search for a new county administrator. More details about the process will be provided in the coming weeks.

Washington County is supported by a budget of $1.3 billion and is staffed by 2,105 full-time equivalent employees serving a diverse and growing population of 606,280 on the western side of the Portland metropolitan area. More information about Washington County can be found at www.co.washington.or.us.

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