(Portland, OR) -- City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty is stepping into office as the first black woman to ever serve on Portland's City Council. Hardesty was sworn-in to office yesterday after defeating Multnomah County Commissioner Loretta Smith in November's midterm election. Hardesty replaces former Commissioner Dan Saltzman following his retirement after 20 years. Hardesty has previously served as a state representative, community organizer and president of the Portland chapter of the NAACP.