City of Portland announces public safety leadership transition

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Portland's top public safety leader will leave the city government this month, City Administrator Raymond C. Lee III announced today. He plans to conduct a national search for the next deputy city administrator for the city's Public Safety Service Area - which includes police, fire, 911, emergency management, and community safety programs.

Deputy City Administrator Bob Cozzie, who has led Public Safety for 11 months, will depart from his role May 18. He previously served as director of the Bureau of Emergency Communications for seven years, and he has spent more than three decades in public service.

"Portland is safer because Bob Cozzie has dedicated his career to public service," Lee said. "I know our staff and community members join me in thanking him for his leadership."

Lee said he will directly oversee public safety during this transition, while he launches a national search for the next deputy city administrator. He intends to seek input from city councilors, employees, and community partners to shape and fill the position.

As one of four deputy city administrators, the winning candidate will play a pivotal leadership role at the City of Portland. In Mayor Keith Wilson's proposed budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1, the public safety portfolio would include more than 2,200 employees and manage a budget of about $611 million.

The service area directly manages a wide range of safety services, from police and fire response to emergency preparedness to upstream efforts to reduce violence. Public safety teams have led the city's initiatives to reduce crime and restore confidence in the safety of Portland neighborhoods and the city core.

"Safety is the foundation for Portland's future - it's vital to building the clean, green, affordable, and activated city we envision," Lee said. "We are committed to bringing in a leader who cares about our community, supports our staff, and helps make our city safe for all."

The salary range for deputy city administrators is $216,715.20 to $325,062.40 annually.