Council Experience: Steve was first elected to the Hillsboro City Council in November 2010 and re-elected in November 2014. He was first elected Mayor in November 2016 and re-elected in November 2020. His current term expires in January 2025.

Community Experience: Steve has lived in Hillsboro since 1996. He and his wife Joan have two children who are products of the Hillsboro School District. Molly, her husband Peter, and their two sons, live in Tigard. Michael and his wife Mariah live in Washington County.

Steve has volunteered for the Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve Board, the Library Foundation, the Oregon International Air Show, the Hillsboro Boys Baseball Association (HBBA), the Boys and Girls Club, the 53rd Avenue Park Task Force, and the Hillsboro Schools Foundation. Prior to joining the Council, Steve served on the Budget Committee, the Planning Commission, and served as Chair of the Hillsboro 2020 Vision Implementation Committee.

Steve currently serves on the boards of Community Action, the Westside Economic Alliance, Greater Portland, Inc., the League of Oregon Cities, and the Oregon Mayors Association, where he is also incoming President. Steve also serves on the Metro Policy Advisory Committee, and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee of the National League of Cities.

Education & Work Experience: Steve graduated from Oroville High School in Northern California, and obtained his undergraduate degree from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego. Steve completed his master’s degree at Lewis and Clark College in Portland. Steve’s education continues each day. He is a retired Hillsboro School District principal. Prior to coming to Hillsboro, Steve taught for 11 years in the Oregon City School District, and worked as a vice principal in the Banks School District for 5 years.

Fun Facts About Steve:
Favorite Teams: Hillsboro Hops and San Francisco Giants
Favorite Vacation Spot: Yellowstone National Park
Favorite Music Album: The Blues Brothers: Original Soundtrack
Favorite Mentor: His father
Favorite Activity: Being Mayor
Favorite Quote: “Heroes are not giant statues framed against a red sky. They are people who say: This is my community, and it is my responsibility to make it better.” - Former Governor Tom McCall

Why Serve on the City Council?
"When we moved to Hillsboro I was impressed by the small town feel, the friendliness, and how well the City functioned. I realized that I had an obligation to get involved and ensure that others who moved in enjoyed the same experiences and opportunities that our family did. I believe that my experiences as a parent, with our schools and on City Commissions and committees, provided me with a unique perspective to do just that."

What are your hopes and goals?

"Knowing that every decision we make now, as a Council, makes a difference for years to come, my goals and hopes are to put Hillsboro in the position to continue to be economically viable, have an infrastructure that is prepared for continued population growth, is a community that is educationally strong by supporting PCC and HSD, make sure our City’s 2035 Community Plan is implemented, and provide the safe community that will attract new families and retain our current residents."

"It is an honor and privilege to serve our City in this capacity. Addressing quality of life issues will continue to be a priority: Community safety and sidewalks, strong schools and opportunities for our youth, parks and libraries, transportation and jobs, and the Hillsboro 2035 Community Plan. Hillsboro is a great city. I will continue to focus on making our future just as great as our past.

The most important way to contribute is by being accessible and listening to the voices of Hillsboro — and making those voices heard. The conversations in the grocery store aisles, at Hops games, in living rooms, at schools, coffee shops, and at our markets, help me understand different perspectives and make sure that all opinions are known and considered."