A major feature of the Metropolitan Public Defender is its independently appointed Board of Trustees. The Board hires the Executive Director, reviews the policies and operations of MPD and reviews the actions of the Executive Director. Presently, there are seven board members who are appointed; one each by the Presiding Officer in each county (Multnomah and Washington); one by the President of the State Bar; one by the Chief Justice of the Oregon Supreme Court; and three at large by the other board members.
The board actively supports the public defender program by consulting with the Executive and County Directors on a variety of issues, including the direction and level of services provided.
The board reviews the financial operations of the office through the approval of the annual budgets and by review of an annual outside audit. The board meets periodically with leaders in the criminal justice system in each county in order to determine problem areas and to evaluate the overall operation of the office. The bylaws of MPD set out the function, duties and selection of board members in full.
Furthermore, the board takes an active role in the political representation of the office.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Effective September, 2023
Email: mpdboard@mpdlaw.com
Roberta Phillip-Robbins, Chair
JD
Appointed by Multnomah County Commissioners
Term expires June 30, 2025
Hubert Mathews
Central City Concern
Appointed by Board Members
Term expires June 30, 2025
Whitney Boise
Attorney at Law
Boise Matthews LLP
Appointed by Oregon State Bar
Term expires June 30, 2024
Douglas D. Morris
Attorney at Law
PWCC Marketplace
Appointed by Chief Justice
Term expires June 30, 2024
Dr. Thuy Tran
Rose City Vision Care
Appointed by Board Members
Term expires June 30, 2026
Melissa Bobadilla
Attorney at Law
Bobadilla Law, PC
Appointed by Board Members
Term expires June 30, 2024