From 911 call-taker to top leader: New director selected for Portland's Bureau of Emergency Communications

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Since starting as a 911 call-taker, Steve Mawdsley has worked in every part of Portland's Bureau of Emergency Communications front-line services - and now he'll lead the whole operation.

Mawdsley was named the long-term director today, after serving in an interim capacity since June 2025. He was appointed by City Administrator Raymond C. Lee III following a recruitment that did not result in a hire.

"It became clear we already have the leadership we need to help Portlanders in crisis and support our emergency communications team," Lee said. "Steve Mawdsley has dedicated more than two decades to making Portland safer, and I am grateful that he will continue in a leadership capacity."

Mawdsley has risen through the ranks since launching his career in emergency communications in 2005, beginning as a call taker and dispatcher.

He led several departments and worked with the director on budgeting and strategic planning. Most recently, as deputy director, he led 911 operations - including call takers, dispatchers, supervisors, managers and researchers.

As director, Mawdsley will oversee more than 160 employees and a budget of approximately nearly $40 million. In recent years, Emergency Communications has focused on reducing the time it takes to answer calls. BOEC has reduced the average 911 hold time by more than 30 percent in the first quarter of 2026 from the prior year. This is the result of aggressive recruiting, hiring, training and certifying staff.

Under Mawdsley's leadership, the bureau recently announced that it has earned accreditation in emergency medical dispatch from the Accredited Center of Excellence - a prestigious recognition that places BOEC among an elite group of 911 centers worldwide.

Mawdsley brings to the workplace his real-world values of hard work, integrity, and leading by example. He is committed to creating a culture of support and excellence at BOEC and believes that his greatest responsibility is to support BOEC's team of professionals so they can continue to provide exceptional service to partner agencies and our community.

"Leading the exceptional team at BOEC is the greatest challenge and greatest honor of my career," Mawdsley said. "I am focused on continuing our path of progress to serve the changing needs of our community."