By Scott Maben
The Register-Guard

Craig Opperman, who has worked more than 20 years in social services in the Portland area, will become the new executive director at Looking Glass Youth and Family Services.

Opperman, 44, will take over June 1. He's only the second director of Looking Glass. The first, Jim Forbes, is retiring after 32 years with the nonprofit agency, which serves more than 7,000 children and families in Lane County and has 230 employees.

Chosen from 59 applicants in a nationwide search, Opperman said Monday that he was drawn to the organization in part because it "has done nothing but grow and change and improve."

	Craig Opperman

Looking Glass services include substance abuse treatment, counseling, 24-hour intervention, education and employment training.

"I was impressed by what I learned" during the selection process, Opperman said.

"Looking Glass is very concerned about the condition of youth and families."

Opperman also commended Looking Glass for offering a wide range of outpatient and transition services, rather than focussing on one age group or aspect of care.

"I'm real excited about that feature," he said.

Opperman is community programs director for Christie School, one of the oldest and largest residential psychiatric treatment centers in the Northwest, located in Marylhurst in Clackamas County.

He also is director of Multnomah County's children's receiving center, a protective services shelter.

At times, he has referred clients to Looking Glass programs.

"Craig was chosen because of his passion for children, youth and families," said Stephanie Connor, chairwoman of the Looking Glass board of directors.

Forbes began with Looking Glass in 1972 when he was working on a degree at the University of Oregon.

"I've grown a lot through it," he said, reflecting on his three decades with the agency. "I can't imagine a better way to spend my years."