One outcome of the settlement agreement of U.S. v City of Portland is a contract for a Compliance Officer / Community Liaison to oversee the agreement and public engagement. After a poorly managed search, Mayor Charlie Hales hired Dennis Rosenbaum of the University of Illinois to be the “COCL.”

Prior to hiring, Rosenbaum’s public review went so poorly the city tacked on an additional requirement to his contract: hire former Oregon State Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul DeMuniz. He did, but DeMuniz quit April 8, after just a few weeks on the job.

Our understanding is former City Diversity Development/Affirmative Action Manager Kathleen Saadat has been hired to replace DeMuniz. She has not been involved in recent police accountability work in Portland and has no public connection to the mental health community. No public announcement has been made.

The city’s project manager for the COCL contract is former police officer Deanna Wesson-Mitchell. She works in the mayor’s office as his policy director in charge of the Portland Police Bureau.

READ – Documents authorizing a contract between City of Portland and Rosenbaum & Watson LLP.