CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Benton County Board of Commissioners has approved the appointment of Jane Vetto as its new county counsel after a months-long recruitment. Vetto will begin work in the position on Monday, April 13. 

Benton County employed local-government executive recruitment firm Strategic Government Resources to conduct the candidate search. 

Vetto will replace Vance Croney, who is retiring after more than 25 years as Benton County Counsel.  

Croney participated in the recruitment process and praised the Commissioners’ choice of Vetto as his successor: “She’s bright, experienced, professional and very personable. I’m excited about the direction the County is going with its legal services into the future.”  

Vetto brings to Benton County extensive experience working in local government in Oregon and Washington. She was a deputy prosecutor and senior deputy prosecutor in the Civil Division for Clark County, Washington, where she advised several departments and defended the county in lawsuits filed in state, federal and appellate courts.  

She has also served as county counsel for both Marion and Clackamas Counties, providing public policy, legal advice and representation to elected and appointed officials and serving as primary counsel for the elected commissioners.  

In Marion County, she participated in labor and contract negotiations, advised on land use issues and advised on open public meeting laws, work sessions and executive sessions.  

Most recently, Vetto worked as a deputy county attorney for Linn County, where she provided legal advice to multiple departments on topics including land use and land use appeals, health services, roads and public safety.  

Vetto is a graduate of the University of Oregon School of Law. She holds a B.A. in history from the University of Oregon.