Benton County announces new Juvenile Department head

Benton County is pleased to announce the hiring of Derik Hering as the director of Juvenile Services. He started work in the position on May 1.

Hering came to Benton County government in February 2016 as a juvenile court counselor. In August 2020, he was promoted to juvenile services supervisor. Over the last decade he has supported the Juvenile Department’s mission to protect communities and youth through the balanced approach of accountability, community protection and competency development.

After the departure of the previous department director in July 2025, Hering took on additional supervisory and leadership responsibilities. He operated as a deputy director while Interim County Administrator Rick Crager served as acting director for Juvenile Services.

In that period, Hering supervised all positions in the department and was responsible for all day-to-day operations. He also represented the County on several internal and external policy committees.

“Derik stepped up on short notice and demonstrated incredible leadership skills,” said Crager. “He coordinated with me routinely on department-wide decisions and advised me on critical program and service decisions. He was essential in maintaining the high-quality services that the Juvenile team provides and keeping compliant with statutory requirements.”

Prior to joining Benton County, Hering spent 15 years working in both local and state positions to expand community partnerships and strengthen rehabilitative support for at-risk youth and families. This included time at the Oregon Department of Human Services, Linn-Benton Juvenile Detention Center and Trillium Family Services. 

Hering’s breadth of experience throughout his career and his deep knowledge of Benton County positioned him as the ideal candidate for the director role.

“Any time we can find the experience and skills we need in an internal candidate, it’s the best possible scenario,” said Crager. “Derik already knows the Juvenile Services team and the schools and community partners they work with. He has built strong relationships with all of them. He knows the ins and outs of the programs we provide to support youth and their families, making the leadership transition almost seamless.”

Hering is a graduate of Oregon State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology.