Bend, OR – Deschutes County marked the official start of new terms for two key officials during a public ceremony held on Monday. Commissioner Phil Chang and Sheriff Kent van der Kamp were sworn in, beginning their four-year terms of office.
Chang, who was re-elected in the May 2024 Primary Election, enters his second term as one of the three members of the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners (BOCC). As a commissioner, Chang serves as a policy-maker and advocate for the community, helping to shape the direction of county government.
“I’m excited to continue my work to help our community produce the housing it needs without sacrificing our rural environment; to expand mental health and addiction treatment services; and to improve our drought and wildfire resiliency,” Chang said in a statement following the ceremony. He noted that his previous experience during his first term would be invaluable in addressing these important community issues.
The BOCC, which is the governing body of Deschutes County, plays a pivotal role in establishing policies and priorities that guide the county’s development and services. Commissioners work to balance the needs of residents, business, and the environment.
Van der Kamp, who was elected Sheriff in the November 2024 General Election, takes the helm of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO). With more than two decades of experience in various roles within the DCSO, he is well-equipped to oversee the department’s budget and manage a team of more than 260 employees.
In his new role, van der Kamp will be tasked with overseeing law enforcement operations and ensuring the safety and well-being of Deschutes County residents. He takes on the responsibilities at a time when public safety concerns, along with the challenges of growing populations and emerging community needs, are at the forefront.
Both Chang and van der Kamp expressed their commitment to addressing the county’s most pressing needs and working together to ensure a thriving and safe community for all residents of Deschutes County.
