Another Senior Official in Loudoun to Leave Position

Jim Barnes, Director of Public Information for Loudoun County, announced today that he will leave his position at the end of October, after nearly 22 years of service with the county.

“When I first came to Loudoun County, I never dreamed that I would be in this position for 22 years,” he said. “I have been honored to serve the people of Loudoun County, but now it’s time for me to take on a new challenge.” He said that while he is exploring new opportunities, he will do consulting work for the City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA). He has served on 3CMA’s Board of Directors since 1997 and as its president in 2003-2004.

Barnes joined the Loudoun County government in January 1989 when he was hired as the county’s first Public Information Officer, with responsibilities including media relations and production of a quarterly county newsletter. Over the years, his responsibilities have grown to include the production of publications such as the county’s annual report and Guide to Services, social media, cable television programming, administration of the county’s cable television franchises, Freedom of Information Act requests, and community outreach programs such as Volunteer Loudoun and Leadership Loudoun.

He has been the content manager of the Loudoun County website, www.loudoun.gov, since its launch in 1997. The website has received numerous awards and is annually ranked among the best county government websites in the nation.

Altogether, Loudoun County has received more than 40 national awards for its public information efforts since 1989, including awards for publications, writing, photography, community outreach programs and special events – including the county’s year-long 250th anniversary celebration in 2007 – in addition to the county website.

In 1992, Barnes created the monthly public affairs television series “Inside Loudoun County,” which he hosted for eight years. The series still airs on the county government’s cable channel, hosted by Nancy McCormick.

In commemoration of the county’s 250th anniversary in 2007, he wrote a weekly series of articles chronicling the history of the Loudoun County government and its programs, facilities and leaders. He subsequently compiled the releases in a booklet entitled 250 Years of Service, which received a national award of excellence.

“Jim is highly regarded both in Loudoun County and by his peers around the nation, where he is recognized as a leader in the field of public information,” said County Administrator Tim Hemstreet. “He is a class act, and he will be missed.”

Posted by Charles Penifore on Aug 30 2010. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry