Acting Secretary of State Cheryl Myers
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Acting Secretary of State Cheryl Myers
Biographical
Ms. Myers' professional background includes public policy, organizational leadership, economic development, public education/youth advocacy, and a history of assisting organizations to construct equitable cultures and embed collaborative practices. Her prior public service roles include Director of Economic & Business Equity in the Governor’s Office, Chief of Staff for the Higher Education Commission and as Operations & Engagement Director for Educator Advancement in the Chief Education Office and 8 years as an elected school board member. Her longstanding private sector business ownership lends insight into the varying aspects of unique business needs.
Myers began life as an orphan in Korea before she was adopted by an Oregon family and raised in a SE Portland working-class family. She is deeply committed to community with service on local and national boards. She enjoys their floating home life with family and puppy, sharing meals with friends, paddle boarding, boating and riding her Harley.
Secretary of State's Duties
The secretary of state is one of three constitutional officers of the executive branch elected statewide. The secretary is elected to a four-year term and is limited to two consecutive terms in office during any 12-year period.
The secretary of state is one of three constitutional offices established at statehood and is the auditor of public accounts, chief elections officer, public records administrator and custodian of the State Seal. As an independent constitutional officer, the secretary of state answers directly and solely to the people of Oregon.
The secretary interprets and applies state election laws, compiles and publishes the Voters’ Pamphlet and supervises all elections, local and statewide.
She examines and audits accounts of all publicly funded boards, commissions and agencies.
She keeps public records of businesses authorized to transact business in Oregon, nonprofit corporations and trade and service marks. Other public business records include notices of security interests in movable and personal property, statutory liens and warrants.
As the public records administrator, the secretary houses and provides access to the permanently valuable records of state government through the Archives Division and manages all public records for retention and disposition.
The secretary shares responsibility with the governor and treasurer for supervising and managing state-owned lands and chairs the Oregon Sustainability Board which works to optimize organizations’ financial, environmental and social performance. She also regulates Oregon notaries public and publishes the Oregon Blue Book.
Oregon does not have a lieutenant governor. If the office of governor becomes vacant, the office passes to the secretary of state.
Legal Authority: Oregon Constitution, Article VI, Section 2; ORS Chapters 177, 240