SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Employment Department has named Juan Serratos as the new director of Paid Leave Oregon, formalizing his leadership after serving in the role on an acting basis since July 2025.
Serratos, who joined the program’s leadership team in 2022, has been credited with helping establish Paid Leave Oregon as a key support system for workers and families statewide and as a model for similar programs across the country.
“Juan has a unique skill set and proven experience building and leading one of Oregon’s most important public service programs,” said OED Director Andrew R. Stolfi. “He brings deep operational knowledge, strong leadership, and a commitment to serving Oregonians. Paid Leave Oregon is in good hands under Juan’s leadership.”
Serratos began his tenure with Paid Leave Oregon in January 2022 as deputy director after previously leading the Unemployment Insurance Benefits Services section starting in 2019. He brings more than 17 years of public service experience, including roles with Human Solutions, the Oregon Department of Human Services, and the Oregon Department of Justice. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he helped rapidly expand the Benefits Services team and played a central role in building the Paid Leave Oregon program from its inception.
Since launching benefits in 2023, Paid Leave Oregon has grown into a major component of the state’s worker support system. In 2025 alone, the program served approximately 103,000 people and their families and distributed more than $783 million in benefits.
“I’m proud of what this team has built,” Serratos said. “We’ve created a program that Oregonians can count on during some of the most important moments in their lives. I’m honored to continue leading this work as we strengthen customer service, keep the program running well, and make sure it remains sustainable and dependable for the people who rely on it.”
Paid Leave Oregon provides benefits to workers who need time away from their jobs for significant life events, including serious health conditions, caring for a family member, bonding with a new child, or taking leave related to domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or harassment.
Through partial wage replacement, the program allows employees to take time off without losing all of their income while helping employers retain experienced workers. Eligible employees can receive up to 12 weeks of benefits per year, reducing the pressure to choose between a paycheck and critical personal or family needs.
More information about the program is available at paidleave.oregon.gov.
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