City of Portland announces leadership transition for emergency management

The City of Portland announced a leadership transition Monday for the Bureau of Emergency Management, which oversees emergency preparedness and response - from natural disasters to public safety events.

Director Shad Ahmed, who had served as director since 2022, resigned effective Feb. 9. He had been on leave since mid-January.

Elisabeth Perez, a longtime city leader who most recently worked as the enterprise services director for the Public Safety Service Area, will continue as interim director while the City begins its search for a new director.

Director Shad Ahmed resigned from the Bureau of Emergency Management. The bureau oversees emergency preparedness and response - from natural disasters to public safety events. Ahmed served as director since January 18, 2022.

"Interim Director Perez' extensive experience and strong leadership will ensure that we have the thoughtful and consistent guidance needed right now. She has my full support," said Bob Cozzie, deputy city administrator for the city's Public Safety Service Area.

Perez has worked alongside bureaus within the Public Safety Service Area, including PBEM, in previous roles with the City of Portland. She served as policy advisor for the emergency management bureau and as director of operations under former Mayor Ted Wheeler. She also served as director of the City's Office for Community Technology. Perez earned a master's degree in disaster resilience leadership from Tulane University.

Details about a recruitment for the long-term position will be shared as they become available.