New Assistant Manager at work today in Athens

Today is Niki Jones’ first day on the job: Jones takes over as the Athens-Clarke County government’s Assistant County Manager. Jones comes to Athens from Wendell North Carolina, where he worked as the city Planning Director.

From the Athens-Clarke Co government website...

Manager Blaine Williams has named Niki Jones as one of two Assistant Managers for the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government (ACCGov). Jones will join Manager Williams and Assistant Manager Josh Edwards in the Manager’s Office beginning June 14, 2021.

Jones has over 17 years of experience with local governments in North Carolina and currently serves as the Planning Director for the Town of Wendell, North Carolina. Prior to his time with Wendell, Jones worked for five years with the City of Raleigh, North Carolina, first with the Office of Economic Development as the Senior Business Assistance Manager and later as the Assistant Director of the Housing and Neighborhoods Department. He also worked with the cities of Greenville and Durham in North Carolina in the areas of planning, public works, and code enforcement.

“Niki will be a tremendous asset to the Manager’s Office, our departments, and the community due to his broad experience in local government,” says Williams, “His knowledge of planning and zoning, economic development, affordable housing, small business support, community development, and revitalization efforts will support important work in critical areas to improve Athens-Clarke County.”

During his career in Raleigh, Jones oversaw the City’s Minority and Women-Owned Small Business Program (MWBE), provided policy guidance and direction related to affordable housing, administered federal funding for neighborhood improvement and community development initiatives, and managed gap financing for tax credit developments.

“I am humbled and honored for the opportunity to serve the residents of Athens-Clarke County,” says Jones. “I look forward to working on meaningful projects and initiatives that will advance our community.”

In his current role, Jones is responsible for overall land use planning, development services, and the building permit process. He also oversees state and federal transportation funds for roadway and pedestrian projects.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning and a Master of Public Administration from East Carolina University. Jones also graduated from the University of North Carolina’s Public Executive Leadership Academy. Jones is a Certified Planner by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

Born in Germany and raised overseas, Jones spent his early childhood on military bases where his father served in the Air Force. He and his wife Abigail have a young daughter.

The open Assistant Manager position was formerly held by Assistant Manager Deborah Lonon, who was named Commissioner of Grants Management for the City of Atlanta in November 2020.

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