Deputy Secretary of State
As Deputy, Leslie jointly directs daily operations responsibility for the divisions of Archives, Audits, Corporations, and Election, under the Secretary. She will serve closely with the Secretary, providing leadership and oversight to these divisions, as well as providing guidance for the Agency’s supporting services. Leslie’s private and public work experience of over 35 years includes significant business, educational, information technology, and management-related experience in multiple western states including Alaska, Montana, Washington, California, and Oregon. She will focus on helping improve Agency services for all Oregonians. Leslie received her Bachelor of Arts in Management Information from Eastern Washington University and her Master of Business Administration and Ph.D. in Leadership — both from Gonzaga University. In addition, she holds professional certifications in security (ISC2 - CISSP) and project management (PMI – PMP). Most recently she helped establish security, risk management, and quality programs to help protect and improve Oregon citizens’ health and employment related services. Leslie grew-up in Oregon enjoying farm life and animals. She was thrilled to return with her family to Oregon in 2008 and is now able to enjoy this wonderful state’s many blessings. With an adventurous spirit and a heart for sharing her varied experiences with others, she pens stories in her prolific series of children’s books.
Chief of Staff and Communications Director
As Chief of Staff, Deb leads the Secretary’s Executive Office, supervising staff and coordinating the administrative functions of the Office. In addition, she serves as the Secretary’s liaison to the divisions of Business Services, Human Resources and Information Systems. Deb worked in Washington, D.C. for 15 years as a congressional and White House staffer, legislative analyst, and writer. She subsequently owned and operated a small business providing planning, policy, and strategy consulting to the Department of Defense. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Strayer University and a Master of Science in State and Local Government Administration from the University of Maryland - Go Terps!
Governmental and Legal Affairs Director
As Governmental and Legal Affairs Director, Steve coordinates the work of the Secretary of State's Office with the legislature and other governmental entities. He focuses on policy, budget, legal issues, regulations, and coalition building. Steve is a fourth-generation Oregonian and a member of the Oregon State Bar. He received a Juris Doctorate Cum Laude from the University of Arizona’s Rogers College of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Patrick Henry College. Before joining the Richardson executive team, Steve worked in both the Oregon Senate and the United States Senate. He is an experienced attorney and has argued cases before the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and the Arizona Supreme Court. Steve is a long-time bicycle commuter who enjoys board games, hiking, and spending time with his wife Sonja and their friends and family.
Email Steve:
stephen.elzinga@oregon.gov
Digital Media Specialist
As Digital Media Specialist, Jon oversees the digital strategy and public affairs of the Secretary of State’s office, helping to promote awareness and engagement through social media and other online mediums.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Willamette University and has spent
over 5 years working in both political and corporate sectors in a digital marketing and public relations capacity, managing statewide and international accounts. He spends his leisure time exploring the outdoors with his wife, Isabel, and participating in a variety of automotive activities.
Executive Assistant to the Secretary
As the Executive Assistant to the Secretary of State, Doris is the office manager, scheduler, public relations point person, and special projects guru. Doris has an Associates of Arts degree in Business Management and is working toward a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration/Operations. She has worked in operations management in state and local government for 10 years, has owned and operated businesses and served as the District Home Delivery Manager for a newspaper. Doris enjoys arts and crafts, spending time with her three daughters and spoiling her four grandchildren.