Congratulations, Wayne Larson, St. Johns County Public Affairs Director, who began work this week..

St. Johns County Commissioners refused repeated requests for a national search for County Administrator, 2019-2023,

But our other-directed Commissioners have now hired a new Public Affairs Director from Texas.

Why?

Trying to get the best people, I get it.

But this fact knocks into a cocked hat the presumptuous and hateful pretext of people opposed to hiring a County Administrator based on a national search.

Please explain it to me, like I was a six year old.

Hopelessly provincial, sixth-rate St. Johns County Commissioners are consistently inconsistent.

As they say in East Tennessee, SJC BoCC "bears watchin'".

From LinkedIn:

Wayne Larson, APR, CPC

Director of Public Affairs - St. Johns County, FL

Mesquite, Texas, United States
2K followers 500+ connections

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St. Johns County, Florida

Texas Christian University

About

I have worked in government communications since 1991 and have earned the credentials of Accredited in Public Relations (APR). My organizations have developed programs which earned 65 national, state and regional communications awards. Other recognitions have included the 2006 City of Port St. Lucie City Manager Significant Achievement Award and the 2008 Texas Municipal League Communications Award. My specialties include: C-level communications consultant, media relations, branding, website development, emergency management, public speaking, strategic campaigns, event planning, writing, photography, video production.

Activity

Happy May 1!! Time is certainly flying this year. I hope you all have goals to conquer. I worked so hard in April. I tell you sales is a very tough…
Happy May 1!! Time is certainly flying this year. I hope you all have goals to conquer. I worked so hard in April. I tell you sales is a very tough…
Liked by Wayne Larson, APR, CPC
So proud Payton for being honored by the City of Rockwall city council #futureleaders
So proud Payton for being honored by the City of Rockwall city council #futureleaders
Shared by Wayne Larson, APR, CPC
Detective Lyles, a dedicated member of JSO's Special Assault Unit, was recognized at the 27th Annual Child Abuse Prevention Luncheon & Awards…
Detective Lyles, a dedicated member of JSO's Special Assault Unit, was recognized at the 27th Annual Child Abuse Prevention Luncheon & Awards…
Liked by Wayne Larson, APR, CPC

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Experience

Director of Public Affairs
St. Johns County, Florida
May 2023 - Present1 month
St Augustine, Florida, United States
To help guide a team of dedicated and passionate professionals in communicating County programs, projects and people in various storytelling strategies.
Director Of Communications
North Texas Municipal Water District
Jan 2022 - May 20231 year 5 months
United States
I direct a great team of dedicated professionals to help share the story of the importance of water, waste water and solid waste services; the branding of the regional role of the District and internal communications with our ITEAM employees.
City Manager's Office
City of Mesquite
Mar 2010 - Dec 202111 years 10 months
Mesquite, TX
As the Director of Communications & Marketing, I manage external communications for the eighth largest city in Dallas-Fort Worth region. This includes newsletters, video productions, social media platforms, special events, emergency management communications, media relations and web content and special campaigns. Furthermore, I direct community branding efforts, the City's government access channel and Mesquite's Convention & Visitors Bureau initiatives. I also serve as an advisor to the Mayor…
Communications Department
City of College Station, TX
Oct 2007 - Jan 20102 years 4 months
Provided strategic communications plans, served as advisor to senior management team, acted as city spokesperson. Duties included the direction of public information efforts of media relations, video production, community relations, public image campaigns, branding, integrated marketing programs, social media, publications and website content/redesign.
Communications Department
City of Port St. Lucie, FL
Jan 2006 - Oct 20071 year 10 months
As Communications Director, I provided long-range communications plans for one of the top 10 fastest growing U.S. cities with a population of more than 100,000 citizens. Duties included management of the city's cable TV channel, website content, marketing, community relations programs, e-newsletter, printed publications, public speaking, media relations and emergency communications.
City Manager's Office
City of Kissimmee, FL
Nov 1991 - Dec 200514 years 2 months
As the Public Information Officer, I served as official City spokesperson and led staff that provided an array of public information tools: media relations, citizen academy, special events, publications, image campaigns, public relations, e-newsletter, website, marketing, speakers’ bureau, and a multi-agency cable TV channel. Began my career in the Parks and Recreation Department, planning various events, festivals, holiday celebrations, concerts in the park and special programs.

Education

Texas Christian University
Certified Public CommunicatorGovernment Communications
2013 - 2014
A ground breaking partnership between TCU and Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers.
University of Central Florida
Masters CertificatePublic Admin.
2003 - 2005
University of Central Florida
BACommunications
1989 - 1990
Activities and Societies: Sigma Phi Epsilon, Central Florida Fair (Intern-Marketing Dept.)
Broward College
AATV Production
1986 - 1988
Activities and Societies: Master editor for campus TV channel
Earned 1988 BCC Student Life Award.
SPHS
High School DiplomaBusiness/Commerce, General
1983 - 1986
Activities and Societies: Basketball Team, Video Production Club