When Kathleen Todd retires next month after more than a decade as director of the county’s Office of Citizen Involvement, she plans to reconnect with her husband of 46 years and spend more time with her 2-year-old grandson. She also has no small number of half-finished knitting projects she hopes to complete.
But Todd says she’ll continue to head the Vital Aging Network, the county's employee resource group dedicated to making the workplace welcoming to staff of all ages. And she’s already fielding calls from area advocacy groups interested in having Todd join their boards.
Employees and friends came out Thursday, Jan. 28, to celebrate Todd’s dedication - described by so many as tireless, determined and sunny - as the Multnomah County Board proclaimed the day as Kathleen Todd Appreciation Day.
Todd joined the county in 1996 and took over the office of Citizen Involvement in 2003. She has served under five elected Multnomah County chairs and worked with 12 volunteer Citizen Involvement Committee chairs and executive committees, while recruiting and supporting more than 1,000 volunteers serving on 10 independent Citizen budget advisory committees.
In 2009, Kathleen was awarded the “Sy Award” by the Multnomah County Citizen Involvement Committee in recognition of her tireless work on behalf of equitable community engagement and social justice.
Bob Pung, who is serving his 22nd year on the budget advisory committee, recalled late nights after committee meetings when the only people left were him and Todd.
“Long after everybody went home, a lot of people were done for the evening and I had to wait for a lift bus and sometimes, it took two or three hours,” he said. “But Kathleen, she wanted to be there with me and wait for me to have my ride. That went on for a number of years... I have never had a better friend than Kathleen.”
Todd often ran a one-woman shop. Money, it seemed, was always tight. But “Kathleen was really great-spirited about working with the resources she had and making sure her volunteers were supported,” said Janet Hawkins, a program specialist with the Department of County Human Services.
Friends spoke about her as engaged and passionate. Even in the moments before being wheeled into an operation room for emergency surgery, she had dialed a volunteer to assure her assignments were covered. Hours later, in a groggy voice, she called again just to check in.
“She was humble. A humble leader,” said Susan Yee from the Department of County Assets. “She has had to work in a small office and she isn’t afraid to roll up her sleeves and do the work that needs to be done.”
Each member of the Board of Commissioners issued good wishes.
“Thank you for all you have done for our community, our county and us as elected officials,” said Chair Deborah Kafoury. “You deserve all the comforts of retirement but I’m sure we’ll see you around.I can’t imagine you being content staying home.”