Portland City Auditor hires new General Counsel

The Portland City Auditor announced the appointment of P. K. Runkles-Pearson as General Counsel for the Auditor’s Office. Runkles-Pearson previously served as the first General Counsel to the Oregon Secretary of State, where she gained expertise in public records, government ethics, and elections. Her extensive legal career also includes roles at Portland State University and in private practice, focusing on public higher education.

Auditor Simone Rede highlighted Runkles-Pearson's qualifications, stating they are a perfect match for the office’s responsibilities. The Auditor is elected independently by Portland voters and operates separately from the City Council and Mayor. The office oversees performance audits, City elections, and campaign finance regulations. Runkles-Pearson's appointment is significant as the city transitions to a new government structure. The Auditor's Office recently managed the city's first ranked-choice voting election in November 2024.