EUGENE, Ore. – Chris Skinner has been named Eugene’s next police chief and is slated to begin April 30.

City Manager Jon Ruiz said Skinner’s leadership abilities and experience will make him an effective police chief.

“Chris is known for building relationships, using innovative approaches, and leading by example,” Ruiz said. “He has an authentic and inclusive leadership style, and we’ve heard from people across the northwest that he is an experienced and well-respected law enforcement professional. I am confident he will lead our police department with fairness and compassion in a way that builds trust within EPD and with the community.”

Skinner will receive an annual salary of $153,171. As Eugene’s police chief he will be responsible for the police department’s 190 sworn officers and 140 civilian employees. The department has an operational budget of over $50 million.

Skinner has been chief of police in Richland, Wash., since 2011 and has 27 years of police and public safety experience. He began his public safety career in the Benton County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon.

While in the Hillsboro Police Department from 2001 to 2011, Skinner moved up the ranks from police lieutenant to commander and deputy chief.

Skinner was named the top candidate after a nationwide search and a three-day interview process last week. That process included four panels of 25 community members and a youth panel, a community forum attended by about 85 people, and input collected in person and online.

"What really sealed the deal was when the community and organization said 'yes, he is the right person for us.' So really my decision was pretty east after listening to all of that feedback," Ruiz said.

“The City of Eugene and its police department has a longstanding tradition of excellence and I’m honored and excited to be selected as the next chief of police,” Skinner said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Eugene and I truly look forward to working with the department and the entire community.”