Brad Brainard has started as the security operations manager for the Oregon Legislature, reporting to Dave Hartsfield in Facility Services. Brainard has extensive security experience in the military and post-military.

Damon Runberg is the new state economist for Business Oregon, after 10 years as a Bend-based regional economist for the Oregon Employment Department.

Sept. 30 is the current deadline for submitting applications to become executive director of the state Office of Public Defense Services “for a fixed term of up to two years. The annual salary range is $143,328 to $211,763. The Public Defense Services Commission met Thursday but held off on appointing an interim director. The reworked commission fired Steven Singer last month.

David L. Holt has been appointed executive director of the VA Portland Health Care System. Besides the main divisions in Portland and Vancouver, the billion-dollar system includes community-based outpatient clinics in Newport, Lincoln City, Warrenton, Bend, Salem, Fairview, downtown Portland, West Linn, Hillsboro and The Dalles. Holt has been director of the VA’s Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinics.

Dr. Jayathi Y. Murthy began work as Oregon State University’s 16th president on Sept. 9. She previously was the dean of engineering at UCLA.

Democrat Lori Kuechler of Sandy was selected to serve the final months of former Rep. Anna Williams’ term representing House District 52. The Clackamas, Hood River and Multnomah county commissioners chose Kuechler from among three nominees. Running for the position at the November election are Republican Jeff Helfrich of Hood River, who previously represented the district, and Democrat Darcy Long of The Dalles.

Senate President Peter Courtney, D-Salem, appointed Sen. Chris Gorsek, D-Troutdale, to the Committee on Public Education Appropriation, replacing Sen. Michael Dembrow, D-Portland. Courtney named Sen. Deb Patterson, D-Salem, to the Governor’s Commission on Senior Services.