Nick Hunter chosen as new Marion County sheriff

The lieutenant was unanimously chosen to replace the retiring Joe Kast. He will be sworn in June 30.

Bill Poehler
Salem Statesman Journal
Incoming Marion County Sheriff Nick Hunter (second from left) stands with Marion County Commissioners (from left) Colm Willis, Danielle Bethell and Kevin Cameron after being chosen as the next sheriff.

Nick Hunter had just finished his baseball career as a pitcher at Willamette University when he joined the Marion County Sheriff’s Office as a reserve deputy.

He had to beat out as much competition to be chosen as Marion County’s next sheriff Wednesday.

Hunter, a lieutenant in the department, was unanimously selected for the position by the Marion County Commissioners over a field of six other people.

Hunter will be sworn in June 30 when current Sheriff Joe Kast retires. He will hold the position until a new sheriff is elected in 2024. Hunter said he plans to run for the position.

“I think my experience helped me, and they really touched on it,” Hunter said. “They saw something valuable from every single candidate.

“I’m not sure one thing put me over the top. I think I bring the best combination of experience and the assignments that I’ve previously filled and brought me to this crossroads of being prepared. I just think I was the best-suited candidate for the position.”

The Sheriff's Office operates patrols in East Salem, rural parts of Marion County and in cities including Hubbard and Jefferson.

The commissioners said 117 letters of public testimony were submitted about the candidates.

The other candidates for the position were Salem Keizer Public Schools director of safety and risk management Chris Baldridge and sheriff’s office employees Chad Jones, Chris Kennedy, Don Parise and Stacy Rejaian.

“I just think, No. 1, the time he’s been a lieutenant and dedicated to the Sheriff’s Office, that means a lot to me,” Marion County Commissioner Kevin Cameron said. “The world is changing and we need to be progressive.

“He’s got the background and experience to do that and collaborate with the partners. I think that everybody here will do a good job, but Nick is my choice.”

After graduating from Willamette in 2000, Hunter was a reserve and then temporary deputy for Marion County from 2001 to 2003. He spent four years as an officer in Independence before returning to Marion County as a deputy in 2008. He was promoted to sergeant in 2012 and has been a lieutenant since 2015.

He said his priority as sheriff will be to talk with current Marion County Sheriff’s Office employees to get a more complete look at what is going on in the department to provide stability and unity.

“There’s 377 employees, so there’s a lot to be heard,” Hunter said. “It’s really starting with those commanders and the executive team, getting a true feel for where the divisions are.

“I think the commissioners recognized it very much today, if you don’t talk to the line staff, you’re missing a perspective that you may not otherwise get. That’s going to be my priority. And my priority really is going to be that stability.”

Bill Poehler covers Marion and Polk counties for the Statesman Journal. Contact him at bpoehler@StatesmanJournal.com