Statesman Journal: Chief operating officer is streamlining state’s operations

Jordan fills new role, handles day-to-day management

Michael Jordan became the state of Oregon’s first chief operating officer in March, with a mandate from Gov. John Kitzhaber to reform the day-to-day management of state government.

In the 10 months since, Jordan has set the stage for real change to occur in the way the state does business.

He’s organized the individual agency heads into a management team. He’s set up a project to review the internal costs of running state government, with an eye toward cost savings. He’s helped draft the governor’s “10-year plan” for the state.