Governor Tina Kotek (D) named Chris Warner (above) as the interim director of the Oregon Department of Transportation on June 2; an appointment that officially takes effect on June 30.
[Above photo via Oregon DOT]
Warner replaces Lisa Sumption, who became interim director at Oregon DOT on January 2 after then-director Kris Strickler formally stepped down from that position. She will now return to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, where she had previously served as director since 2014 along with the position of Oregon’s State Historic Preservation Officer.
Warner – who had served as chief of staff for the governor since March 2024 – has held multiple public sector jobs over his career, including director of the Portland Bureau of Transportation, transportation advisor for former Governor Ted Kulongoski (D), chief of staff for Sen. Ron Wyden (D-O), and legislative aide to former Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR). He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from the University of Oregon.
“I’m grateful to Lisa and Chris for being willing to step in and serve the people of Oregon who depend on a safe and reliable transportation system,” Gov. Kotek said in a statement. “Their efforts allow the state to take the steps needed to find the best director for Oregon’s transportation future. Chris has the experience needed to keep the organization moving at this truly critical juncture. He has my full confidence.”
In the meantime, the governor’s office said the Oregon Department of Administrative Services will continue conducting a national search for a permanent Oregon DOT director.
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