Posted
Washington County Administrator Tanya Ange has appointed Eric Olson as the County’s new Director of Assessment and Taxation. Olson succeeds Joe Nelson, who is retiring after 34 years of service.
The County conducted a comprehensive recruitment process to identify the best candidate for this critical leadership role. Several qualified applicants were considered, but Olson’s extensive experience and long-standing commitment to Washington County set him apart.
Olson began his career with Washington County in 2003 as a rural property appraiser. Over the past two decades, he has advanced through multiple positions, including rural property appraisal and exemptions supervisor, and most recently, appraisal division manager, where he leads a skilled team that prioritizes accuracy, statutory compliance, and exceptional customer service.
In his new role, Olson will oversee property assessment and taxation functions that are essential to funding public services as well as elections. His leadership showcases a steadfast commitment to integrity and public service, reflecting his dedication to the community he has actively served for over two decades.
“Anytime a long-standing, highly valued employee retires, the organization feels the impact,” said County Administrator Tanya Ange. “That is why I am grateful to appoint Eric to this position. With 22 years at Washington County, Eric brings historical knowledge and practical experience that will serve our community well.”
Olson said he is honored to step into the role and continue serving the Washington County community.
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to lead such talented and dedicated teams within Assessment and Taxation, including our Recording and Elections divisions,” Olson said. “I look forward to building on the great work already underway and working more closely with department staff, colleagues, and county leadership, to ensure the needs of our county and community are supported.”
Washington County is a leading-edge, mission-focused organization that successfully serves the community now and in the years ahead. We are a human-centered organization that supports the health, effectiveness, creativity and talents of our employees as public servants and the residents whom we serve. The organization is supported by a budget of $2 billion and is staffed by 2,396 full-time equivalent employees serving a growing population of 618,037.
Forming the western portion of the Portland metropolitan area, the County's developed regions are home to suburban and new mixed-use neighborhoods, with business leaders such as Intel, Genentech and Nike’s world headquarters. Outside the nationally acclaimed urban growth boundary, the county’s area is over 80 percent rural, transitioning to nurseries, wineries, farmland, and miles of evergreen forest that blanket the eastern flank of the Coast Range Mountains.
More information about Washington County can be found at washingtoncountyor.gov.