Meet the Commissioners

The three commissioners are elected to four-year terms. The county is divided into three districts on the basis of population - click here to view Commissioner Districts Map. At the time of election, each commissioner must live in and represent his/her district. The commissioners are partisan and are nominated in a primary election encompassing only their district. In the general election, all county voters are given an opportunity to select the commissioners who ultimately serve.

Steve Rader, District 1

With over 25 years of experience as a business owner, Commissioner Rader brings extensive expertise in the financial services industry as an independent broker. For over 25 years, a strong legacy of business ownership runs through Commissioner Rader’s family, with contributions from both family and spouse. Certified as a John Maxwell Leadership Coach and public speaker, along with certification as a youth leadership coach, Commissioner Rader is dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to reach their potential. In addition, a partnership with a consulting firm has provided valuable insights for business owners and corporations in enhancing leadership, management, and communication skills. As a part-owner of a construction company specializing in garage doors and gates, Commissioner Rader provides services to businesses and homeowners with an emphasis on quality and reliability. With over 30 years of coaching experience in baseball, football, and wrestling, Commissioner Rader has also served in leadership roles within the church for the past 20 years. The Raders Leadership and Outdoor Adventures Foundation was founded by Commissioner Rader to offer youth opportunities to develop leadership and communication skills through classroom curriculum and outdoor challenges, including ropes courses and physically demanding trials. Outside of professional endeavors, Commissioner Rader enjoys outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing with family. Sharing meals and good company is also a favorite pastime.

Steven L. Ferrell, District 2

Commissioner Ferrell is proud to call Cowlitz County home. Born and raised here, Commissioner Ferrell has deep roots in the community. The journey began with a paper route and continued through graduation from Castle Rock High School and studies at Lower Columbia College. Commissioner Ferrell worked in the family business, Ferrell Lumber Company, before joining Longview Fibre in 1972. Over a 36-year career, Commissioner Ferrell advanced from laborer to Electrical/Instrumentation Supervisor, retiring in 2008. During time at Longview Fibre, Commissioner Ferrell was honored to represent over 1,500 AWPPW Local 153 hourly employees as chairman of their bargaining board. From 1983 to 1988, Commissioner Ferrell served as a PUD Commissioner. Since 2019, Commissioner Ferrell has been actively involved as a Republican Precinct Committee Officer (PCO), dedicated to serving the community. Above all, Commissioner Ferrell cherishes family, which includes 4 children and 13 grandchildren.

Richard Dahl, District 3 

Commissioner Dahl retired from Fibre Federal Credit Union in January 2022, concluding a 39-year career in the banking industry. During that time, Commissioner Dahl served as Senior Vice President and Chief Retail Officer, overseeing the retail branch network, consumer lending, and call center. Commissioner Dahl earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Central Washington University. Experience includes many years of service on a recreation grant funding board for the State of Washington, now known as the Recreation Conservation Office (RCO). Hobbies include motorcycling, traveling, and spending time at a house in Idaho.