PPS Superintendent names Kafoury chief of staff

Portland Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong announced former Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury as the new chief of staff on Monday, July 15.

Kafoury brings more than two decade of public service, most recently serving 14 years on the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners, eight of which were in her role as chair.

“I am thrilled to welcome Deborah to our team at this critical time,” Armstrong said in a press release. “With her enhanced experience in education and government, she will provide transformational leadership for our philanthropic initiatives, climate justice objectives and strategic partnerships across private and public sectors.”

Kafoury will begin her new role on Tuesday, July 16.

From 1999 to 2005, Kafoury served in her first elected office positions to the Oregon House of Representatives where she served north and northeast Portland; she served as House Democratic Leader for two years.

“I am thrilled to have this opportunity to work alongside Dr. Armstrong. The last few years have been challenging for PPS and for our community. Her commitment to advancing student achievement, inspiring teacher excellence and valuing community input is exactly what we need right now,” Kafoury said in the release. “My number-one goal is to ensure that she is successful in her endeavors.”

After graduating from Grant High School, she received a bachelor's degree from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Wash. Kafoury worked in Washington, D.C., as an aide to Congressman Les AuCoin, returning to Oregon in 1995, in which she helped pass the first Portland Public Schools bond.

In her role as CEO of Multnomah County, Kafoury set the county's strategic policy direction and priorities aimed at serving the county equitably and effectively. She oversaw $1 billion worth of new capital projects, including a new Sellwood Bridge, the Central Courthouse and the Multnomah County Health Department headquarters.

She is married and a mother of three Portland Public Schools graduates.

Armstrong said in the release, “Advancing PPS is not just a district priority; our continued rise is integral to the city’s economic and social success. Deborah’s expertise will be invaluable and will contribute significantly to the overall success of our district and our city.”