Commissioner Mapps Hires New Portland Bureau of Transportation Director

Today, City Commissioner Mingus Mapps announced that Millicent Williams has accepted the position as the next bureau director of the Portland Bureau of Transportation.  Previously, Williams has served as the regional director for Otak, Inc. as well as deputy director for the Portland Bureau of Transportation.  As a community partner in shaping a livable city, PBOT plans, builds, manages and maintains a safe transportation system that provides people and businesses access and mobility.

Mapps performed an open, competitive process to ensure that the top candidates could be considered for the role. He looked for a proven executive leader in the transportation field with experience managing complex systems who can translate complicated concepts into simple language. Mapps was also looking for someone who can build strong relationships with PBOT’s partner agencies and embodies Portland values.

“This is an incredibly important decision as PBOT is at a critical turning point.

"The bureau needs reform to be a more pragmatic partner in building the future of Portland. We also need to find a new funding model for transportation services to replace resources that require continued reliance on fossil fuels and parking. This is also a time of transition as the city establishes a new organizational structure to implement charter reform.

After a competitive search, I’m delighted to offer Ms. Williams the role of transportation director. She is a career public servant who has demonstrated a strong commitment to providing meaningful service to the residents, businesses and visitors at each jurisdiction where she has worked. She will bring a fresh viewpoint to the challenges the bureau faces, having served as agency director or senior executive under three separate agencies in Washington, DC, and in her current position as regional director at Otak. I’m also confident she’ll be able to hit the ground running, having previously served as deputy director of PBOT” said Mapps.

Mapps began a competitive hiring process for the bureau director in March. He and his staff met with internal and external stakeholders, sent an internal survey to all PBOT staff, and finally invited bureau staff and partners to participate on the hiring panels. Williams’ first day in the role will be July 24.

“I am energized by the opportunity to work with the dedicated staff at the Portland Bureau of Transportation in service to and in partnership with communities across the city.   At a time that when the bureau and city are facing tremendous challenges, I look forward to advancing PBOT's work with compassion, viewing the work through an equity lens, considering the work in relation to our climate goals, and performing the work with excellence. Together, we will take a pragmatic, 'Whole Community' approach to problem-solving and embrace the promise of our future with optimism,” said Williams.