Kristen Thorp
Portland,Oregon
Summary
Equity-centered leader with over 20 years of experience building inclusive systems, leading organizational change, and developing talent practices in public service and community-based environments. Proven ability to translate equity values into scalable processes across recruitment, governance, outreach, and staff development.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations
Office of Community-based Police Accountability
01.2025 - Current
- Led the launch of a new City office, designing equitable operational systems, communication structures, and governance processes to support long-term organizational effectiveness and public accountability.
- Led complex cross-system change initiatives by aligning stakeholders, redesigning processes, and embedding equity principles into operational practice.
- Established connections across City departments, enabling effective implementation of the Oversight System.
- Prepare and present to City Council matters relating to the Oversight System.
- Designed and evaluated an equity-centered recruitment and selection process for an inaugural governing body, using outcome data to refine practices and reduce barriers to participation.
- Developed and implemented records retention practices for the new governing body, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
- Analyzed expenditures and forecasted future needs to inform budget preparation and align resources with operational goals.
- Established a working relationship with Oregon State Police, which resulted in OCPA receiving a unique OIR. Other oversight groups across the state are reaching out for guidance on developing their own program.
- Developed and facilitated onboarding and training programs grounded in adult learning principles; provided coaching and capacity-building support to board members. Fostered a feeling of belonging.
- Authored new classifications for the Oversight System with equity focus.
- Serves on the following City-wide groups: BTS Technology Partners, City Auditor's records retention schedule update task force, Risk's safety group, City Operations Leadership.
Director
West Slope Library, Washington County
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Directed recruitment, training, onboarding, coaching, and performance management activities.
- Managed a multi-year accessibility-focused facilities redesign project, improving physical access and community inclusion through cross-departmental coordination.
- Served on a county-wide task force focused on redesigning recruitment systems to advance equity, access, and representation across public service roles.
- Prepare presentations for the Board of County Commissioners, Advisory Board, and other stakeholder groups.
- Created and presented recurring reports with data-informed insights for stakeholders and governing bodies, enhancing transparency and supporting continuous improvement.
- Led the website relaunch project in 2020, focusing on accessibility while serving as the content creator and editor.
- Facilitated cross-functional meetings and community forums to support dialogue, trust-building, and collaborative problem-solving.
- Cultivated strong relationships with community partners and stakeholders.
- Authored multiple job classifications and public-facing policies with an equity focus, collaborating closely with the team, county lawyers, and community stakeholders.
- Oversaw daily operations and administration tasks in a busy library.
- Manages money-handling procedures, including daily counts, deposits, budget preparation, budget tracking, and maintaining PCI compliance.
Manager, Youth Services Department
Eugene Public Library
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Played a key role in the library's leadership team and managed the largest program area.
- Executed recruitment, onboarding, training, coaching, and performance management to develop a skilled and cohesive team.
- Supervised supervisors and staff, fostering collaboration and positive relations with HR and union representatives.
- Built and sustained strategic partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, and service providers to advance equitable service delivery and shared outcomes.
- Managed multiple large-scale events, each attracting an average of 3,000 community members.
- Led the outreach van project to make programs and materials accessible.
- Reduced barriers to participation by forming new partnerships with schools and community organizations.
- Presented regularly to advisory board and stakeholders, providing updates and insights on program developments and community needs.
- Facilitated monthly meetings of local service providers to support unhoused youth.
- Used outreach, programs, networking, and workshops to build partnerships with local service providers.
- Collaborated with the local technology association and other city departments on large-scale fundraising events.
Education
Process Improvement Certification -
Portland State University
01.2023
Project Management Graduate Certificate -
Oregon State University
01.2018
Masters - Library and Information Sciences
University of Washington
01.2013
B.A. - History, Minor Political Science
Chapman University
01.2011
Skills
- Project Management
- Operations management
- Budget management
- Stakeholder engagement
- Cross-departmental coordination
- Strategic planning
- Coaching
- Team leadership
- Equity Centered Management
- Community engagement
- Relationship building
- Operations management
Timeline
Operations
Office of Community-based Police Accountability
01.2025 - Current
Director
West Slope Library, Washington County
01.2016 - 01.2019
Manager, Youth Services Department
Eugene Public Library
01.2016 - 01.2019
Process Improvement Certification -
Portland State University
Project Management Graduate Certificate -
Oregon State University
Masters - Library and Information Sciences
University of Washington
B.A. - History, Minor Political Science
Chapman University