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Metro Chief Operating Officer Michael Jordan is stepping down from his post with the Portland area’s regional government in order to take a similar position on Gov. John Kitzhaber’s staff.

Kitzhaber announced today that Jordan will assume the role of chief operating officer of the state, a position Kitzhaber recently created. As part of the job, Jordan will be tasked with reviewing outdated systems, streamlining departments and creating efficiencies and cost savings within the government. He will also be responsible for leadership and oversight of the day-to-day operations of the state, and will direct the Department of Administrative Services.

“For far too long the outdated systems of accountability and operation of state government have hindered the provision of public services to the citizens of Oregon,” Kitzhaber said in a statement on the matter. “Mike Jordan is the most qualified person in the state to lead meaningful reforms that will better serve the state and taxpayers.

“He did that at Metro and we look forward to his stewardship at the state level.”

Jordan’s responsibilities at the state level will be similar to those he had at Metro. In addition to identifying and implementing efficiencies, Jordan will become the governor’s main point person on the state budget. By the next biennium he will be expected to develop a new performance-based budget to be coordinated with the state’s 10-year sustainable budget framework.

Jordan is expected to assume his new position in late March once the hire has been approved by the state senate. Metro President Tom Hughes and the rest of the Metro Council will outline a plan to replace Jordan over the next week.