Umatilla County
Board of County Commissioners
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Board of Commissioners Overview
The Board of Commissioners consists of three (3) elected individuals, appointed to 4 year, overlapping terms, who oversee all county activities with the exception of the Sheriff and the District Attorney. The Commissioners are responsible for preparing and monitoring the county budget; making membership appointments to the numerous county committees and overseeing their activities; adopting and enacting ordinances and policies.
They work closely with other agencies on issues directly affecting agriculture, environment, and economics within Umatilla County as well as providing support and direction to the Umatilla County management team who strive to bring a quality service to the citizens of the county. The Commissioners office maintains an "open door policy" and welcomes citizens to stop by and share their comments and concerns on any issue relating to Umatilla County livability.
Other Links
National Association of Counties NACO
Association of Oregon Counties AOC
Location
Umatilla County Courthouse
216 SE Fourth Street
Pendleton, Or 97801
Info:541-276-7111
Courts:541-278-0341
The Courthouse is open 8 am. to 5 pm. Mon. through Fri.
Commissioner Position #1 Bill Hansell
Commissioner Bill Hansell was raised on a wheat and cattle ranch north of Athena. He graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in Political Science. He was first elected to the Board in 1983, making him the longest serving Commissioner in Umatilla County's history. He has been active on the local, state, and national levels. Bill is a past president of both the Association of Oregon Counties and the National Association of Counties. He and his wife Margaret reside in Athena and have six grown children.
Commissioner Position #2 Larry Givens
Commissioner Larry Givens, a native of Umatilla County, was raised
on a hay, wheat, and cattle ranch. He graduated from Umapine High
School in 1967. He furthered his education by receiving a BA in
Elementary Education, Science Recreation and PE and took graduate
classes at the University of Oregon and Washington State University. He
was a dedicated educator in Milton-Freewater for over 30 years. During
this time, his summers were spent working with the US Forest Service,
Umatilla National Forest, Walla Walla Ranger District (in fire
management) and eventually law enforcement. He and wife Anne (currently
a third grade teacher) have four children - Trina, Brandon, Jeff, and
Katie. Since retiring in 2003, Larry has been working full time with
his farming business, L&A Ranches Hay Sales.
Commissioner Position #3 Dennis Doherty
Commissioner Dennis Doherty's roots are in neighboring Morrow County. He was raised on the farm that his grandparents homesteaded near Heppner. He graduated from the University of Oregon and Willamette Law School. He practiced law for 26 years, including 5 years as Morrow County District Attorney. He and his wife, Anne, reside in Hermiston where they are active in the community. They have four grown children. He was elected to the Board in 1997.