Land Conservation and Development Commission appoints Dr. Brenda Ortigoza Batemen as Agency Director

SALEM, OR - At their April 1, 2022 meeting, the Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC or Commission) appointed Dr. Brenda Ortizoga Bateman to serve as the next director for the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD). DLCD's Directors are appointed by the Commission. Dr. Bateman will begin on May 2, 2022. Dr. Bateman replaces Director Jim Rue, who has served as DLCD's longest-tenured Director for eleven years.

Following the appointment, LCDC Commission Chair, Robin McArthur shared, "Commissioners take the responsibility of selecting new leadership for DLCD very seriously. The director position is one that requires not only the ability to lead and inspire staff, but the capacity to advance the agency on land use issues that matter to everyday Oregonians. From clean energy development, to managing our coast, taking on issues of housing supply, and preserving our natural resources; clear guidance and strong direction is imperative to DLCD's success in these areas. While we were fortunate to have had a number of qualified candidates, which made the decision difficult, we are enthusiastic about our support of Dr. Bateman. I am confident the agency will thrive under her direction."  

Chair McArthur commended the legacy of DLCD Director, Jim Rue; "I want to express the commission's deep gratitude to Director Rue. Under his leadership, the department built on the strong planning framework of Oregon's land use program to focus on implementing outcomes that resonate with all Oregonians including increasing housing and transportation choices, promoting equitable and climate friendly communities, and protecting working lands for farming and agricultural production. He has served Oregon well."

Says Director Rue, "The work I have been able to accomplish at DLCD over the last several years has been the honor of a lifetime," he said. "We have centered the agency in the important work of housing supply, climate action, equity and creating more sustainable communities."

The commission looks forward to working with Dr. Bateman to continue that trajectory. Dr. Bateman comes to DLCD from Business Oregon, where she is the Chief Operating Officer / Assistant Director for Operations. During her 30-year career, she has served in strategic planning, implementation, and management roles, with a focus on natural resources policy. She serves on the Governor's Climate Cabinet and is a Governor-appointee to the Oregon Geographic Information Council (OGIC). Previously, she served as Science Chief and Senior Policy Advisor at the Oregon Water Resources Department, co-authoring the 2012 and 2017 versions of Oregon's Integrated Water Resources Strategy. As past president of the American Water Resources Association, she represents the association internationally in venues such as the World Water Forum and World Water Congress. She has a doctorate in public policy from the University of Maryland Baltimore County, and master's and bachelor's degrees from The Johns Hopkins University.

Director Rue, DLCD staff and commissioners look forward to welcoming Dr. Bateman next month.