Jones takes her leave

In Nancy Jones' nearly decade of serving the county, she has seen many things come and go.

Now, as her last day as communications manager grows nigh, Jones reflected on how the county has changed before she takes her leave on Sept. 30. 

Before spearheading the communications position in 2018, Jones moved up through the ranks from a part-time worker in the clerk's office. First starting her career with the county in 2012, Jones transferred to the commissioner's office as an administrative supervisor two years later. 

"I've loved my time at Kootenai County," Jones said. "The county has been good to me and gave me a lot of opportunities." 

Jones said she has served under four different boards of county commissioner and several elected officials during those nine years. Initially, there were no designated communications coordinators, she said. 

"It was a position I had advocated about for a long time," Jones said. "I believe it's important to build transparency, educate and communicate with the public to answer the questions they want to be answered."

Creating the communications position was necessary, Commissioner Chris Fillios said. Fillios, a board member who supported developing the job, said Jones was chosen for her institutional knowledge and skill set. 

"At that time, the county was essentially in the dark," Fillios said. "No one put out information except maybe the sheriff. But there was no one sharing general county information."

Though Jones hadn't anticipated filling the newly-created role, she felt the initiatives taken since accepting the position had left an impact on county operations. Some of the actions Jones was proud of include:

• Installing and upgrading livestream equipment to broadcast county meetings 

• Revitalized the Kootenai County Facebook page to publish regular content and increasing follower count

• Created the Kootenai County YouTube channel that currently holds approximately 500 followers 

"Jones has proved herself to be invaluable," Fillios said. "We have over 2,500 people now following our Facebook and YouTube pages, and it's to her credit. She helped put a face to the county by answering inquiries and increasing public understanding." 

Jones said acting as the communications head during the COVID-19 pandemic was both trying and fulfilling. 

"Through COVID-19, there was an absolute need for sharing information," she said. "I got to work with over five offices last year to put out COVID information the community needed, and it was so rewarding." 

Working with the public and elected officials made her realize the importance of continuity in solid leadership. By watching the ebb and flow of county officers, Jones said she saw firsthand examples of what works — and what doesn't — in terms of management. 

"I've learned to say yes at the county and redefine new ways to say yes," Jones said. "It's given me the ability to focus on solutions instead of problems." 

Changes within the county over the last nine years have been for the better, Jones believes, and she hopes for more positive influences in the future. A notable development, Jones said, is watching the organization transition from a "small-town" operation to a "professional urban municipality." 

"We've been so blessed to have some amazing professionals come to the county," Jones said. "I think every day the county gets a little better. They are baby steps, but we're more efficient and effective now than ever." 

Catering to her service heart, Jones said she accepted a position with Heritage Health and is excited to continue her career in a community-oriented organization. 

"Those moments when I was able to help people and affect the lives of people in the county have been my favorite part," she said. "I'm grateful for my experience here, and I'm looking forward to the future." 

A version of Jones' job description is available online through the Kootenai County website, but commissioners are currently updating its responsibilities. The revised definition should be available in the coming weeks. 

"It's our loss and Heritage Health's gain," Fillios said.

Info: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/kcgov