Uncertainty still surrounds the appointment of a new Executive Director of the OLCC. Merle Lindsey was named the Interim Executive Director of the OLCC by the Commissioners on October 25, 2012. The Commission appointed him to this position after former Executive Director Steve Pharo announced his retirement, which was in part precipitated by a public falling out with Governor Kitzhaber regarding a number of issues. The OLCC has posted the position at least twice since then, but has been unable to fill the position.

Last week, Governor Kitzhaber publicly recommended Kendall Clawson for the position. Kendall is currently the Governor’s executive appointments secretary and received a strong endorsement from the Governor. Now, less than a week later, Kendall has withdrawn her name from consideration without further explanation.

The OLCC will need to continue its search for a new executive director. This is particularly pressing after Rudy Williams retired in April of this year as the Public Safety Director, after being put on administrative leave in March 2013, and the Chair of the OLCC Commission, Cassandra Skinner, recently resigned effective June 30th.