Multnomah County has selected its next Chief Diversity and Equity Officer, officials announced Friday.

Laura Shepherd, an Oregon outsider with years of experience in equity and inclusion work, beat 115 other candidates to land the post, according to an email from Chief Operating Officer Christopher Neal to county staff.

Shepherd will take over for former chief officer Joy Fowler, who stepped down in May to lead diversity and inclusion efforts in Vancouver, Washington.

“Taken together, Laura’s experiences and skill set are a fantastic fit for what we need and expect in our next Chief Diversity and Equity Officer,” Neal wrote.

Shepherd worked as the global director of diversity, equity and inclusion for New York-based law firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton from 2022 to Sept. 2025,

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