As of Sept. 1, 2019, the Oregon Transportation Commission will be chaired by commissioner Robert Van Brocklin, by order of Gov. Kate Brown.
Van Brocklin has served on the Commission since 2017 and will be taking the lead seat from Tammy Baney, whose term ends on Aug. 31. Baney has served with the Commission since 2011, and as chair for the past four years. She was also among those to congratulate her replacement, saying that she goes knowing the Commission will be in excellent hands.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to chair the Commission,” said Van Brocklin. “Working with the Governor, the Legislature, and our federal, state, regional, and local partners, I believe Oregon has the opportunity to develop the best transportation system in the country. Oregonians deserve an integrated system that allows for the efficient, safe, and affordable movement of people, goods and services around our communities and throughout our state.”
Van Brocklin came to his current role from a job as Firm Managing Partner of Stoel Rives LLP. He had worked at that law firm since 1986, and before that, served the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, as well as the City of Portland. He has chaired school district funding campaigns, as well as directed several business and non-profit boards.
Brown looks at him as a natural fit for this new leadership role.
“Chair Baney brought forward-thinking strategy and tireless efforts together to improve every Oregonian’s experience in moving around and experiencing our state. I thank her for her two terms on the Oregon Transportation Commission during the key period of the successful implementation of the historic transportation package,” Brown said. “Commissioner Van Brocklin is a natural successor to Chair Baney. In his short time on the commission, he has shown passion and expertise on transportation that will benefit both the commission and the people and communities of Oregon.”