Larry Jones
Summary
Accomplished leader with a proven track record as elected and appointed official in Walton County, Florida. Adept in all aspects of local government, demonstrating exceptional organizational leadership to achieve organizational goals and objectives while developing others to do the same. Managed a staff of over 500 and annual budget of $250M. Most recently during a six month engagement as Interim County Administrator in Rio Blanco County, Colorado I successfully developed, initiated and completed a transition to a County Administrator form of government, with the county hiring my recommended candidate as permanent County Administrator.
Overview
44
44
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Interim County Administrator
Rio Blanco County, Colorado
11.2023 - 04.2024
- Provided leadership and direction for all county operations for a six month engagement.
- Successfully developed and implemented a plan to employ a full time, permanent county administrator.
- Proposed, drafted and implemented numerous policies and procedures.
- Led interdepartmental meetings to address pressing issues and promote collaborative problemsolving.
- Instituted a comprehensive performance evaluation system that improved accountability across all departments.
County Administrator
Walton County, Florida
08.2013 - 04.2022
- Successfully led all aspects of local government, including: Budget and Finance, Public Works, Planning and Development, Environmental, Engineering, Emergency Management, Human Resources, Libraries, HUD, Veterans affairs and Code Compliance.
- Worked closely with Tourist Development Council
- Developed strong relationships with community stakeholders and municipal governments
- Improved communication between departments for better collaboration and progress.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing cost-effective services for the county''s needs.
County Commissioner
Walton County, Florida
11.2000 - 11.2012
- Collaborated with fellow commissioners to develop and implement effective policies for county growth.
- Addressed transportation issues through infrastructure improvements, enhancing connectivity within the county.
- Improved county infrastructure by prioritizing and allocating funds for essential projects.
- Implemented strategic planning processes, establishing long-term goals for sustainable growth and prosperity in the community.
- Fostered partnerships with state and federal agencies for grant opportunities and resource sharing in support of county goals.
- Promoted economic development by encouraging local businesses and attracting new investments to the county.
- Streamlined government services by identifying redundancies and inefficiencies in existing systems, promoting cost savings without sacrificing quality of service delivery.
Government Affairs Manager
Waste Management
01.2009 - 04.2012
- Developed and strengthened relationships with key government stakeholders by attending industry events and hosting informative meetings.
- Monitored political developments, providing timely insights and recommendations to drive informed decision-making.
- Navigated complex regulatory environments with diplomacy and tact, fostering positive interactions with government officials at all levels.
- Managed over 40 municipal contracts valued at over $100M
Adjunct Professor
Columbia Southern University
01.2009 - 03.2011
- Taught business/management courses,
- Built relationships with students, mentoring on personal, professional and academic goals while providing coaching on effective study habits.
- Strengthened critical thinking skills in students through the incorporation of problem-based learning activities.
Business Owner/Operator
Self
02.1980 - 10.2000
- Owned and operated a number of successful small to medium sized businesses including retail, food service, construction and consulting
- Oversaw end-to-end business processes to maintain proficiency and profitability.
Education
Doctor of Business Administration - Business/Organizational Leadership
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL07.2025
Certification - Paralegal
University of West Florida
Pensacola, FL07.2023
Master - Public Administration
Strayer University
Washington, DC03.2008
Bachelor of Science - Management
The University of West Florida
Pensacola, FL08.1981
Skills
- Legislative Advocacy
- Organizational Leadership
- Intergovernmental Relations
- Transportation Planning
- Emergency Management
- Infrastructure Management
- Land Use Planning
- Human Resources Management
- Government relations
- Excellent Communication
- Organizational Skills
- Team Leadership
- Active Listening
- Strategic Planning
Affiliations
- Florida Association of Counties
Certification
- Certified Paralegal 2023
- Certified Florida County Commissioner 2003
- Florida County Commissioner Advanced Certification 2008
- Florida Notary Public
Additional Information
Member Florida Association of Counties Board of Directors
Member Florida Small County Coalition Executive Committee
Timeline
Interim County Administrator
Rio Blanco County, Colorado
11.2023 - 04.2024
County Administrator
Walton County, Florida
08.2013 - 04.2022
Government Affairs Manager
Waste Management
01.2009 - 04.2012
Adjunct Professor
Columbia Southern University
01.2009 - 03.2011
County Commissioner
Walton County, Florida
11.2000 - 11.2012
Business Owner/Operator
Self
02.1980 - 10.2000
Doctor of Business Administration - Business/Organizational Leadership
Columbia Southern University
Certification - Paralegal
University of West Florida
Master - Public Administration
Strayer University
Bachelor of Science - Management
The University of West Florida
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