After a long search process, Transylvania County Manager, Jaime Laughter announced today that Jonathan Griffin has been selected as Finance Director after the retirement of long term director, Gay Poor. Jonathan has been serving as the interim Finance Director since August 2018. He came to Transylvania County as the first North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) County Management Fellow, a grant-funded opportunity long supported by delegations of the Transylvania County Board of Commissioners at the NCACC.
Griffin is a native of Stokes County, North Carolina and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Asheville with a degree in classics and economics. In 2016, he earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the preeminent university studying local government affairs in North Carolina: the UNC School of Government.
Jaime Laughter, County Manager said “Jonathan has been heavily evolved in the evaluation of our financial policies and procedures and was part of the team that crafted both the County’s 2018 and 2019 budgets. His work history and education made him a strong candidate for the role and he performed very well against a variety of strong applicants during the hiring assessment. This thorough vetting and assessment leave little doubt that he will be successful in our county’s leadership. Throughout Jonathan’s time, he has continued to impress the Board of Commissioners and myself with his knowledge, skill, drive and adaptability. I have no doubt he is the person to lead our finance department forward.”
Jonathan came to the county with extensive experience in public sector finance having previously held several roles with increasing financial responsibility at the University of North Carolina Asheville. Prior to higher education, he worked in the private hospitality industry and in nongovernmental nonprofits. He has previously served as the interim Public Transportation Director and interim Director of Parks and Recreation for Transylvania County and as an analyst completing many other projects.
When asked his thoughts about stepping up into the Director position, Jonathan said, ”This is an exciting time for both Transylvania County and now myself personally! I am thrilled to be stepping into this kind of role for a County government recognized statewide for its excellence. I’m looking forward to continuing to help create a government that meets the needs of its citizens effectively and efficiently.”
Jonathan and his wife Katherine live in Pisgah Forest and share their home with their rambunctious dogs Daisy and Whisper.