The Flood Safety District is pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Fancher as its new Executive Director. Steve will oversee a professional staff that operates the flood management system that spans nearly 13,000 acres of land along the Columbia Slough and the lower Columbia River. Steve succeeds Jim Middaugh, who is retiring this year after leading the Flood Safety District for five years through its formation and implementation.

“The Board is thrilled to appoint Steve as our next Executive Director,” said Lori Stegmann, the Flood Safety District Board Chair. Chair Stegmann notes, “His proven leadership and experience position us well for the important work ahead. Importantly, Steve believes in and is a great champion of the amazing staff at the Flood Safety District. Our board has great confidence in Steve’s ability to lead the next chapter of the Flood Safety District. On behalf of the Board, we also would like to thank Jim Middaugh for his service to the District; he has left an indelible legacy of good governance and sustainability for the District.” 

Steve brings dynamic experience to the role. He has decades of experience in engineering, public works, and stormwater management; strong regional relationships, and a clear commitment to transparent public service.  

The Flood Safety District manages 27-miles of federally-authorized levees, 12 pump stations, and 45-miles of sloughs, canals, and culverts that reduce the risk of flooding for an area that is home to nearly 8,000 residents, 2,500 businesses, 59,000 jobs, and 2,000 acres of parks and natural spaces, as well as critical public assets like the Portland International Airport, an Army National Guard base, and a back-up drinking water supply for nearly a million Oregonians.  

“I am excited to take on the leadership of the Flood Safety District at this important time. The District is making generational investments in the flood management system that will make our community safer. District staff are integrating broader community values into this work, looking for opportunities to improve flood safety and preparedness while improving climate resilience, improving water quality and restoring the environment, all in a fiscally responsible and inclusive way. The District’s staff has the heart and hunger it takes to truly deliver extraordinary results to the community. I am honored to lead this amazing team.” 

Steve will begin his new role with the Flood Safety District on April 20, 2026. Previously, Steve was the Director of Engineering, Operations, and Capital Project at the Flood Safety District. 

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 The Urban Flood Safety and Water Quality District’s (The Flood Safety District) mission is to equitably reduce flood risk and prepare for and respond to flood emergencies by maintaining levees, conveying water when necessary, and finding innovative and nature-based ways to live with more water around us while supporting community safety and the region’s economic vitality.  To learn more about the District, visit www.urbanfloodsafetyor.gov.