George Naughton, whose surprising departure as Oregon’s top budget official was announced without explanation on March 6, will work for State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple until retiring Sept. 30. Under a job rotation agreement signed March 23 by Naughton, his assignment to the State Fire Marshal’s Office began April 1. Currently part of Oregon State Police, the office will become an independent state agency on July 1. Gov. Tina Kotek had named Kate Nass to replace Naughton as chief financial officer in the Department of Administrative Services.

Anca Matica joined Gov. Kotek’s staff last week as a press secretary along with Elisabeth Shepard. Matica has worked in political consulting for candidate campaigns, political action committees and ballot measures in multiple states.

Rebecca Osmolski, who was digital director for Kotek’s gubernatorial campaigned, joined the governor’s staff as digital media manager. Osmolski has worked on political campaigns and on Capitol Hill, including in the office of Senate Majority LeaderChuck Schumer, D-New York.

After 11 years as executive director of the Oregon League of Conservation Voters, Doug Moore launched Moore Strategic Consulting LLC. His work will include campaign management, strategic communications and media relations, and legislative and political research.

The Democratic Party of Oregon elected new officers: chair, Rosa Colquitt; vice chairs, Kim Schmith and Eileen Kiely; and secretary, Nathan Soltz. They will serve two-year terms.

Oregon Senate President Rob Wagner appointed Sens. Lynn Findley, R-Vale, to the Oregon Recycling System Advisory Council; Aaron Woods, D-Wilsonville, to the Electronic Government Portal Advisory Board; and Kim Thatcher, R-Keizer, to the Transparency Oregon Advisory Commission. House Speaker Dan Rayfield appointed Reps. Tom Andersen, D-Salem, to the Public Records Advisory Council, and Ben Bowman, D-Tigard, and Kevin Mannix, R-Salem, to the Electronic Government Portal Advisory Board.

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association honored former Oregon Congressman Peter DeFazio with the Joseph B. “Doc” Hartranft Award. Named for the organization’s first president, the award recognizes government officials’ support for general aviation.