FILE: Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury announces a lawsuit against the federal government over Teen Pregnancy Prevention program grant criteria in 2018.
Ericka Cruz Guevarra / OPB
Former state lawmaker and Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury has a new job. This week, she will begin working as chief of staff for new Portland Public Schools Superintendent Kimberlee Armstrong.
Kafoury was on the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners for fourteen years, including eight years as chair. She also spent six years as a state representative.
Jessica Vega Pederson succeeded Kafoury as Multnomah County Chair after winning the office in 2022.
Superintendent Armstrong began her new role earlier this month. Kafoury is her first hire. In a statement, Armstrong said she believes Kafoury’s experience in government will help her navigate the state’s largest school district through a challenging time.
Kafoury and her three children all attended Portland public schools.