Mayor & City Council

Mayor, Michelle Sumner m.sumner@ci.sutherlin.or.us (707) 738-0500 Term Ends 12/31/2024

Michelle grew up in Northern California where she met her husband, Larry in 1985.  They moved to Sutherlin nine years ago when he retired.  While in California, Michelle was a Deputy Sheriff/Police Officer for nine years and a 911 Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor for 18 years.  She continued her career in the public sector by joining the State of Oregon in 2013.  Prior to becoming a City Councilor, Michelle was on the city's Budget Committee and the Planning Commission.  She was on the committee that created Sutherlin's Mission Statement and the committee that helped form the Sutherlin Fire Department.  Michelle started as an appointed member to Council in 2018 and then was elected in December 2018.  "I enjoy being a part of our City.  I feel it's critical to be involved and help it move forward in being prosperous and a great place to live."  In her spare time she enjoys watercolor painting and spending time with her dog, Hunter.



 

Council President, Debbie Hamilton d.hamilton@ci.sutherlin.or.us (541) 580-5489 Term Ends 12/31/2026

Debbie Hamilton has a long history with the City of Sutherlin, after being employed for over 25 years, she retired and started enjoying her new ventures as a retiree.  Debbie expressed interest in being a member of the Council and when the opportunity presented itself, she applied for a vacant seat and was appointed and sworn in on February 10, 2020.  

Councilor Lisa Woods l.woods@ci.sutherlin.or.us (541) 430-9009 Term Ends 12/31/2026

Prior to being elected as a City Councilor, Lisa served as the Planning Commission Chair. She also served on the Urban Renewal Task Force and is a current Sutherlin Chamber member.  "I knew instantly that I wanted to be involved in this beautiful community. I have witnessed a community that pulls together when things are tough and celebrate when things are good. I'm passionate about businesses and want to see Sutherlin have a thriving business community. Many of my attributes are what you would expect from a City Councilor - honesty, commitment, ethics, motivation, and business experience. I will work hard to help provide a fresh perspective and with humility to find compromise and mutually beneficial solutions."

Councilor Joe Groussman
j.groussman@ci.sutherlin.or.us
(541) 680-2425
Term Ends 12/31/2024

Prior to being elected as City Councilor, Joe served 2nd terms on the Budget Committee.  He has many years of political and municipal experience such as: Integrating phases of Public Safety Communications systems for Homeland Security, States, Counties and City Municipalities, as well as large commercial organizations throughout the United States; Sutherlin Municipal Court -Community Service Program Supervisor; Electronics and Communications Superintendent for Orange County, CA.; and served in the US Airforce as a Crypto-Intelligence Reconnaissance Operator.  Joe served two tours in Vietnam, one tour in Korea and three tours in South American countries.

Joe volunteers in many community groups.  He is the Vice-President of the Sutherlin Downtown Development/Urban Renewal Committee - organized the 'HomeTown Hero' banner implementation; Knolls Estates Home Owners Association - President for two terms; DC Amron member - Sutherlin Disaster Preparedness Group; Sutherlin School District - Veteran Appreciation Day presenter; and Klahanie Owners Association - board member and Committee Director.

Joe would like to see more community involvement with Sutherlin residents.  "I believe it takes more than the same few volunteers to complete all the proposed effort and project requirements needed within Sutherlin."  Joe prides himself on upholding the philosophy: If we want a GOOD community, and we want POSITIVE CHANGES, we must take PART.

Councilor Larry Whitaker l.whitaker@ci.sutherlin.or.us (541) 643-2967 Term Ends 12/31/2024

Prior to being elected as City Councilor, Larry served on the Budget Committee  since February of 2019. He is also a Friends of Ford's Pond Board member, Visitor Center volunteer, he has served as an Administrative Pastor and Board Member for Sutherlin Family Church.  Larry was also the former owner of Big B Rentals in Sutherlin.

Larry's reason for running for councilor is that he feels Sutherlin is an active and growing city which cares for its citizens and businesses. He believes that his business experience and involvement in leading small and large groups will be a benefit to the city. "My desire is to be an active part of expanding and accomplishing the vision our leaders have developed for our community". 




 Councilor Shawn Smalley
 s.smalley@ci.sutherlin.or.us
 (541) 680-1818
 Term Ends 12/31/2024

On August 16th, Shawn Smalley was appointed to Sutherlin City Councilor, he was officially sworn into office on September 13, 2021.  Shawn is a long-time resident of Sutherlin, as well as, a business owner.  He is taking over the remainder of the term ending December 31, 2024.  Welcome Shawn!  (More information will be added soon.)



         

Councilor, Gary Dagel g.dagel@ci.sutherlin.or.us (541) 378-4434 Term Ends 12/31/2026

On October 11th, Gary Dagel was appointed  and sworn in as Sutherlin's newest City Councilor.  Gary has resided in Sutherlin for over 8 years and has been involved in the community from the start.  Gary has run his own businesses for 50 years, and finds time to help organize the street fair during Graffiti weekend, driving events for car enthusiasts, been a member and Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce, and formed and served as the chair for a committee of area businesses to successfully find an acceptable solution for the business registration for the city, as well as, the business.  Gary is taking over the remainder of the term ending December 31, 2021.  Welcome Gary!