Communications Director

Phone: (503) 988-3308
Fax: (503) 988-3093
Email: david.austin@multco.us

Personal Background

David was born and raised in Syracuse, N.Y. After high school, he attended Oberlin College in Ohio, majoring in English Literature. His passion was journalism and he worked in a variety of internships before landing a job as a reporter at The Oregonian. He covered sports, police, the environment, local government and breaking news. In 2008, after 22 years at the paper, he decided to make the leap to government and work for Multnomah County.

Work Responsibilities

David handles public affairs and communications for Chair Jeff Cogen.

Hobbies and Interests

Running, basketball and tennis are what David does to keep busy. Also, he volunteers at Grant High School, working with the school's student newspaper. He is married and has two children, a dachshund and a red-footed tortoise. In his free time, he loves watching sports.

Favorite Quote

"He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it." - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.