Should Portland reappoint Mary Strayhand-Preston as Commissioner of the Civil Service Board for term to expire April 25, 2026?

TO THE COUNCIL:The Chief Human Resources Officer is pleased to recommend Mary Strayhand-Preston for reappointment as Commissioner for the Civil Service Board (CSB).Duties of the Board: In general, subject to rules on Hearings and Appeals, the Board shall:Review the suspension, demotion or discharge of a permanent employee, where the employee alleges that the discipline was for a political or religious reason, or was not made in good faith for the purpose of improving the public service.Review appeals of classification actions taken by the HR Director affecting an employee in the classified service, where such action is alleged to be without rational basis or contrary to law or rule or taken for a political reason.Review appeals of candidates for appointment or promotion to a position in the classified service, where applicant or job candidate alleges that the HR Director's decision was contrary to rules promulgated by the Director for examinations, or that the decision was contrary to law or for a political reason.In making appointments to the Board, the Chief Human Resources Officer has tried to reflect the perspectives of labor, management, and the general public. Ms. Strayhand-Preston will represent the perspective of the community. Ms. Strayhand-Preston is an excellent candidate, committed to the principles underlying Chapter 4 of the City Charter. Her prior human resources background and experience on the CSB will prove helpful during her appointment to the Board. She is also a resident of the City of Portland, a Charter requirement.Her Biography and Statements of Interest are included as Exhibit A.Under the current Charter language, appointments to the Board are made by the Mayor, and confirmed by the Council. The Chief Human Resources Officer is asking that Ms. Strayhand-Preston be appointed to a two-year term, effective April 26, 2024, so that she will be ready to commence her duties as soon as reasonably possible.As Mayor, I request Council confirmation of the following reappointment as Commissioner for the Civil Service Board:ReappointmentTermMary Strayhand-PrestonApril 26, 2024-April 25, 2026Respectfully submitted,Keith WilsonMayor