Gresham City Selects Three Finalists For Police Chief Position

Press release from the City of Gresham:

June 22, 2021

The City has selected three finalists for the Police chief position and is seeking community input and involvement in next steps.

On Tuesday, June 29, from 6:00-7:30 p.m., Executive Recruiter Heather Gantz with The Novak Consulting Group will host a virtual community forum to introduce the three finalists: Travis Gullberg, Michael Lester and Janie Schutz.

The candidates will participate in a panel-style discussion. Questions will be pre-selected and live public comment will not be taken. The community was invited to submit questions for consideration. After the forum, attendees will have the opportunity to provide feedback about the candidates through an online survey by noon, Wednesday, June 30. Feedback will be shared with the hiring manager for consideration.

Zoom link Police chief finalists community forumPasscode: 8qQ2Up

The final three candidates have participated in individual interviews with the City’s executive recruiter as well as Gresham’s Deputy City Manager and Human Resources Director.

Meet the finalists

Travis Gullberg

Travis Gullberg has served the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office since 1998. He is currently the Captain of the Community Partnership Unit and designated Chief of Police for the Transit Police Division. He began his 25-year law enforcement agency career as a police officer with the City of Rock Springs, Wyo., in 1996. Travis received his Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Social Work degree from Warner Pacific College and his Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Education from the University of Virginia. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

Michael Lester

Michael Lester began his 30-year municipal policing career with the City of Vancouver, Wash., in 1992. He is currently the Assistant Chief of Police. Michael received his Bachelor of Science in Management degree as well as his Master of Criminal Justice degree from the California Coast University. He is expected to complete his Master of Public Administration degree from Purdue University in June 2022. He is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP).

Janie Schutz

Janie Schutz is the Relationships Manager for the Center for Policing Equity. Janie has worked as a sworn law enforcement officer for 32 years. She retired as the Chief of Police for the City of Forest Grove in 2020. She was previously the Chief of Police of Wadesboro, North Carolina. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the Michigan State University and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

The finalists will also interview with a panel of City staff as well as a panel of public safety professionals. Standard background and reference checks will be conducted as necessary before any hiring announcement is made.

This press release was produced by the City of Gresham. The views expressed here are the author’s own.