About Carla

On October 15, 2002 Carla was appointed Chief of Police for the City of Gresham, capping a law enforcement career that began in 1979.  During her 29-year career she has experienced all aspects and ranks of the Gresham Police Department.

Ms. Piluso serves as the Chair of the Multnomah County Commission on Children, Families and Community.  Carla is also very involved in community organizations.  She is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Police Activities League, Human Solutions, the Children’s Justice Alliance, the Salvation Army and the Historic Downtown Gresham Kiwanis. 

In 2002, Carla received the prestigious Women Helping Women Award from the Soroptimist International of Gresham. In 2005, she received the Champion Award for her work in Gang Violence Prevention from the Public Safety Co-ordinating Council of Multnomah County. In March 2007, she received the Judge Stephen B. Herrell Award for Outstanding Collaborative Efforts to End Family Violence.  In May 2007, she received the prestigious March of Dimes White Rose Award for her commitment on improving the status of women in the region and her extensive contributions to the community.  In September 2007, she received the Willamette University – Distinguished Alumni Citation. Citation honorees are chosen for their outstanding service to their profession and their communities, as well as their devotion to the University. And, in September 2007, she received the Salvation Army’s – Doing Most Good Award, for going “above and beyond” in the community. Click here to view a complete list of Carla's Awards and Accomplishments.

Carla Piluso is one of the estimated 200 female police chiefs within the Nations 18,000 police departments.

Carla holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science and Speech from Willamette University.  She has also completed the Executive Leadership Institute, Public Safety Command College and Public Safety Management Certificate Program at the Portland State University, Hatfield School of Government.