Berri Leslie, the director of the Oregon Department of Administrative Services, informed staff via email Tuesday morning that she would be leaving in June.
Leslie stated in her letter of resignation that her spouse had a serious medical problem. When he shortly retires, she intends to downshift so she can spend more time with him and their kids.
The Department of Administrative Services oversees all state agencies in a variety of ways, including monitoring important human resources operations and assisting in the creation of the state budget.
Leslie, 51, has worked in Salem for the past thirty years in a variety of roles, most recently as Gov. Kate Brown’s deputy chief of staff. She informed the governor’s staff that she would like to be given consideration for future temporary leadership roles or interim appointments. Leslie currently makes $322,000 annually.
“I never imagined I would get the chance to lead a state agency on behalf of a terrific governor with so many incredible colleagues and such a dynamite leadership team,” Leslie wrote to her staff after beginning her career in state government in 1997 as a committee assistant with the Oregon Legislature. It is an honor of a lifetime to have served Oregonians and their families for over 27 years.
Leslie’s talents will be greatly missed, Governor Tina Kotek stated in a statement on Tuesday.
According to Kotek, Berri is a model leader who is devoted to enhancing Oregonians’ quality of life and ensuring that state government serves all. Her dedication to quality and her service are much appreciated.
Sami Edge reports about higher education and politics. She may be contacted at (503) 260-3430 or [email protected].
