Salem, OR – Today, Governor Tina Kotek announced the appointment of Ryan Keck, the current interim executive director of the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission (CJC), as the agency’s next permanent executive director, effective October 1, 2026. Keck brings 27 years of public service experience, beginning as a corrections deputy and later serving in leadership roles at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST), where he helped launch the Center for Policing Excellence, the nation’s first statewide initiative to educate law enforcement officials on evidence-based policing.
"Ryan has done excellent work leading the agency as the interim executive director, and I believe he will continue to deliver an effective, collaborative, and evidence-based approach to strengthening community safety throughout Oregon in the permanent role,” Governor Kotek said.
Keck joined the Criminal Justice Commission in 2021 as Programs Director and Deputy Director, providing direction and support for the implementation of seven statewide grant programs focused on justice system innovation. He has also led the agency’s alignment with statewide workforce and workplace development expectations.
In April 2025, Keck became interim director after former director Ken Sanchagrin transitioned to serve as interim executive director of the Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC). Through his leadership roles, Keck has built a comprehensive understanding of CJC’s operations, resources, and partnerships, uniquely positioning him to guide the agency through the structural overhaul of its grant portfolio under House Bill 3069 (2025). He will also continue supporting both the Criminal Justice Commission and the Juvenile Justice Policy Commission in providing data, analysis, and evidence-informed policy development across Oregon’s evolving justice systems.
Keck is recognized for his people-centered leadership, strong team building skills, and commitment to understanding diverse perspectives to strengthen the legitimacy, efficiency, and effectiveness of Oregon’s criminal justice systems.