New director named for Office of Tribal Affairs at Department of Human Services

The Oregon

Department of Human Services

appointed George B. Lopez as its new director of the

Office of Tribal Affairs

, the agency announced this week.

Lopez, who previously served as general manager for the Klamath Tribes, will work in the department director’s office to coordinate the state’s relations with

Oregon’s

nine federally recognized tribes

, according to spokesperson Tony Aaron Fuller.

The Office of Tribal Affairs acts as a liaison between tribal members and the Department of Human Services, Fuller said. Lopez will oversee the office’s advice to the department on how, for example, state legislation affects tribal communities.

The office also conducts consultations with tribes. Lopez will act as the “primary point of contact” for tribes to address ideas and issues with department programs, according to a description of the job.

The Department of Human Services offers wide-ranging services, including child welfare oversight, assistance with food and medical benefits and support for aging people and those with disabilities.

“I’m excited to take on this role,” Lopez said in a statement. “I’m committed to building strong relationships and supporting efforts that make a real difference for tribal children, families and elders across the state.”

He took the helm on Monday, succeeding Interim Director Sherril Kuhns. Kuhns, who had led the office since March 2024, will return to her role as a federal policy manager for child welfare

in the department, Fuller said.

As the Klamath Tribes general manager, Lopez led administrative and community programs, managed a $5 million budget and led advancements in tribal sovereignty, according to the Department of Human Services

website

The Office of Tribal Affairs two-year budget is just over $2 million, Fuller said. Lopez will be paid a yearly salary of $150,264.

“George brings a deep commitment to tribal communities and a strong track record of advocacy across Oregon,” department Director Fariborz Pakseresht said in a statement. “His experience will be a tremendous asset as we strengthen our government-to-government relationships.”

— Maddie Khaw covers breaking news, public safety and more for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach her at mkhaw@oregonian.com.