Director's Message

A decade later

About a decade ago, I started the weekly message as a way to communicate with all of you more regularly about my thoughts and what is going on in the department.

So it’s fitting that on my last day on the job I would be writing to you again. I have heard much positive feedback over the years about this message and you can be assured that it will continue on past my departure.

This week you are receiving it on Wednesday because it is my last day, but beginning next week, when your interim director Bryan Johnston is here, the weekly message will go back to its usual Friday schedule.

Thank you

I want to first of all thank all of you for the hard work you do -- in good times and in bad. This is a dedicated and determined staff and you continue to press on whether we are being praised or criticized. It is important during this transition time for the department that you stay focused on your work.

All of you know frankly better than anyone how to get the job done - and I am confident that you will continue to do your best in making a difference for Oregonians statewide.

Listening to others

I have always been a strong believer in listening to others views and opinions and as you hear much said about the department in coming weeks, it is important that you listen to this feedback.

None of us has a corner on good ideas and we should never ignore ways for us to be more effective, collaborative, and accountable. We should always be asking ourselves how can we do this work better. There are many people out there who want to see us succeed and are willing to help us do so.

In closing, I just want to let you know that Oregon will always be my home. While I will be working in Olympia now, my wife Emma and I plan to retire in Oregon in years ahead. During my retirement years, I plan to do a lot of volunteer work and I expect that work is likely to bring me back to human services in some way, as these efforts have and will continue to always hold a special place in my heart.

It has been a great privilege and honor for me to have worked with all of you.

Food for thought

"There are no good-byes; where ever we are, you'll always be in my heart."

--Anonymous

This message is intended for all department employees. Please read it electronically, if possible. Managers and supervisors are asked to share the message each week with employees who do not have email access.

If you have a disability and need this message to be provided to you in another format, please send an email to dhs.forms@state.or.us, or call (503) 947-5107. You can also fax your request to (503) 373-7690, or call (503) 947-5080 for TTY service. If you know of others who need this accommodation, please let them know it is available.