ABOUT TOM KRESS
A Lifetime in Douglas County
Tom Kress was born and raised in Douglas County, graduated from Roseburg High School, and chose to return home after college to build his career and raise a family. Douglas County isn’t just where Tom works, it’s where his life is rooted.
Tom and his wife intentionally raised their children here, and today their family spans multiple generations in the county. The decisions Tom makes as a commissioner aren’t abstract, they affect the people he loves and the community they call home.
Tom met the love of his life while 4WD racing, he in his 1973 Ford Bronco and Sasha in her 1954 Jeep. The two were both born and raised in Douglas County; Sasha is the fourth generation in her family, raised on a ranch in Dixonville. They married in 1981 and have
raised their three children in Douglas County, just as they’d dreamed of doing. Both of their sons are foresters. Their eldest, TJ lives in Canada with his family. Their son Christopher is a forester, their daughter, Natasha, a nurse. Both live and work in Douglas County. Tom & Sasha have five grandchildren: Emmy, Lacey, Tommy, Charlie and Sawyer. Tom’s family is not only his pride and joy, they are his greatest treasure. They are lifetime racing enthusiasts and enjoy spending time together doing every type of outdoor recreation under the sun!
QUALIFIED LEADERSHIP
Business Experience That Translates to Government
Before serving as a county commissioner, Tom spent 40 years in the retail and small-business world, managing budgets, navigating uncertainty, and making decisions where every dollar mattered.
He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, giving him a strong foundation in financial oversight, budgeting, and accountability, all skills that are essential in county government, where resources are limited and responsibilities are significant.
Tom believes government should be:
-
Efficient
-
Transparent
-
Responsible
-
Respectful of taxpayers
Leadership Through Real Challenges
During Tom’s time in office, Douglas County has faced major events, including Snowmageddon, the Archie Creek Fire, the COVID pandemic, and the March 2025 floods.
Through each challenge, Tom focused on:
-
Continuity of county services
-
Inter-agency coordination
-
Preparedness and recovery
-
Calm, steady leadership
These experiences reinforced his belief that local government works best when it is prepared, collaborative, and focused on its core responsibilities.
A Respectful Approach to Public Service
Tom approaches this role with humility and seriousness. He believes the county government shouldn’t try to be everything to everyone, but it should do its essential responsibilities well.
His guiding principle is simple: leave Douglas County stronger, more prepared, and more stable than he found it.
Noteworthy Leadership
DEPARTMENT LIAISON Clerk’s Office • Surveyor’s Office • Treasurer’s Office • Planning • Building • Public Works • IT & Radio
Fairgrounds • Senior Services • Justice Courts • Umpqua Valley Museums • Umpqua River Lighthouse • Saving Grace Animal Shelter
2021, 2023 & 2026 CHAIR Douglas County Board of Commissioners
2020-2023 NATRUAL HAZARD RESPONSE & RECOVERY Archie Creek Fire
2019 NATURAL HAZARD EMERGENCY RESPONSE Douglas County's "Snowmageddon"
Administrative Highlights
Implemented cost-saving initiatives, managed budgets, and supervised financial planning for County-wide Departmental operations to increase County funds consistently since first term began in 2019
Insured consistent and reliable in-person County operations without disruption of County services to residents throughout the Pandemic
Secured numerous Grants, including funding for:
• Safe Routes to School - Carnes Road
• Safe Routes to School - Canyonville
• Safe Routes to School - Glendale
• Replacement of Oakland and Conn-Ford Bridges
• Heal Terra Worm Farm
Oversaw renovation of Umpqua River Lighthouse Gift Shop to improve overall
Personal Beliefs
LAW & CRIMINAL JUSTICE Law & Order should be enforced and Law Enforcement Agencies should be funded.
ECONOMY The free market fosters growth & prosperity. Thriving economies are created from the bottom up, not the government down.
NATURAL RESOURCES & ECONOMIC STEWARDSHIP Responsible management of natural resources is both imperative & vital to our economy at every level.
FAMILY Families are the backbone of our community. Building a family should not only be encouraged, it should be esteemed. Family is irreplaceable, priceless, and
worth fighting for.
IMMIGRATION Legal, lawful immigration should be enforced.
RULES, REGULATIONS, AND EXECUTIVE ORDERS Our Founding Fathers’ foresight in creating our form of government must be followed to insure that the checks and
balances they envisioned are not circumvented.
SELF-PROTECTION Our constitutional right to keep and bear arms exists to protect American citizens against tyranny.
VETERANS & MILITARY PERSONNEL Our veterans deserve the utmost respect, the highest honor, and the strongest support.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY The right to assemble and worship God should not be infringed upon.
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS & MITIGATION The experiences gleaned from "Snowmageddon", Archie Creek Fire, and the pandemic have made it clear, we can never be too prepared and collaboration among all types of agencies is essential to not just mitigate the damage but to begin the work of recovery for those most affected.
Work History
BUSINESS OWNER
Kress Backen Auto Supply
Roseburg, OR
Grew to seven-store chain, sold to
Carquest Auto Parts Corp.
FINANCE DIRECTOR
Carquest Corporate
Lexington, KY
Moved family to Kentucky for a year,
then came home to raise children in
Douglas County
BUSINESS OWNER
Waldron’s Outdoor Sports
Roseburg, OR
Purchased Waldron’s in 2001 with
previous family business partners
John & David Backen
Education
ROSEBURG HIGH SCHOOL
Class of 1981
UNIVERSITY OF OREGON
Class of 1984
College of Business
B.S. Accounting
Graduated Cum Laude
Community
MEMBERSHIPS
Oregon Hunters Association
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
National Rifle Association
BOARDS
Treasurer, United Community Action Network
Past President, Board of Directors, Oregon Automotive Parts Association
Partnership for the Umpqua Rivers