Portland names two new deputy administrators for public safety and operations

City Administrator Raymond C. Lee III announced two new executive leaders for Portland on Wednesday. The city hired Dr. Joel F. Fitzgerald Sr. and Valerie R. Washington to serve as deputy city administrators. Both appointments are set to take effect in November.

Fitzgerald will head the Public Safety Service Area beginning Nov. 10. His responsibilities cover the Portland Police, Portland Fire & Rescue, and Emergency Management. He will also oversee Emergency Communications and Community Safety programs. These programs include the Office of Violence Prevention and Portland Street Response. Fitzgerald has more than 30 years of experience in public safety and municipal leadership.

His career includes serving as Chief of Police in Missouri City, Texas; Allentown, Pennsylvania; and Fort Worth, Texas. In Fort Worth, he managed a staff of more than 2,200 employees. He pushed for reforms in community trust and procedural justice. He later held senior positions with the Philadelphia Sheriff's Office and the Waterloo, Iowa, Police Department. In 2025, he served as Assistant City Manager in East Point, Georgia.

Washington will lead the City Operations Service Area starting Nov. 30. Her portfolio includes Fleet and Facilities, Human Resources, and Procurement. She will manage Technology Services, 311 customer service, and other administrative programs. Washington has worked in city operations for more than two decades. In Fort Worth, she helps oversee a $2 billion operating budget and a workforce of about 7,000 employees.

Her work in Fort Worth involved directing $1.8 billion in voter-approved capital projects. She led the integration of emergency medical services into the Fire Department. She also negotiated a landfill gas partnership that aims to generate up to $5 million annually. Before Fort Worth, she managed a $500 million public safety portfolio in Indianapolis. She holds a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt certification.

Lee said the city is gaining leaders with track records of creating change. He noted that both new administrators bring curiosity and a commitment to learning about Portland. Fitzgerald said he was inspired by the people involved in the hiring process. He described the Public Safety Service Area as playing a key role in the city's future.

Washington said she is honored to join Portland. She expressed a desire to work with city leadership and community partners. She aims to strengthen operational excellence and deliver efficient services. Fort Worth City Manager Jay Chapa praised Washington for her leadership over more than a decade. He stated that her experience and work ethic left a lasting impact on the city.