Maria Rojo Desteffey

From dKosopedia

Category: Oregon

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Maria Rojo de Steffey was elected as Multnomah County Commissioner representing District 1 in May of 2001 and began her term in office on June 5, 2001. Her current term expires on December 31, 2004. She was re-elected to office in the regular primary elections in May of 2004 and will begin her next four year term in January of 2005. Her district includes a portion of the inner eastside and all of the west side of the Willamette River in Multnomah County.

The daughter of immigrant parents, Maria was raised in Colorado. Her migrant worker family instilled in her the value of gaining an education. Later, her family started several of businesses of their own, providing hands on experience to Maria and her nine siblings.

Maria has extensive public and private sector experience. Prior to her position as Commissioner, Maria was the Director of Multnomah County Department of Sustainable Community Development. She has also served as Deputy Executive Assistant for former Multnomah County Chair, Beverly Stein and former Chief of Staff to Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman. Previously, Maria was the manager of Civic Stadium and has worked with the Private Industry Council (PIC) and other organizations focusing on workforce issues.

Maria received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Oregon in 1978 and she also did graduate work at the University of Maryland.

With a long history of civic engagement, Maria has been an active community volunteer serving on Boards and Commissions including:

• The United Way of the Columbia-Willamette
• Tri-Met Arts Advisory Committee
• Regional Arts and Culture Council (RACC) Neighborhood Arts Program Advisory Committee
• Board of Directors for Miracle Theater
• Oregon Council on Alcoholism and Drug Addiction
• Jesuit Volunteers Board of Directors
• Board member for the St. Andrews Nativity School

Currently, she serves as an:

• Advisory Board member to Cascade AIDS Project
• Honorary Director of the Portland Guadalajara Sister City Association.

Maria's areas of interest in her capacity as a Multnomah County Commissioner include Sustainability, Economic Development, Services to the Elderly and Disabled, and supporting those wrestling with the ravages of alcohol and drugs.

Maria is married and has one son and two grandchildren.