Vincent S. Long

Vincent S. Long, the current County Administrator of Leon County, has been a catalyst for significant advancements and innovations in local government. Under his leadership, the county has undergone remarkable organizational transformation, enhancing efficiency, innovation, and citizen engagement, making it a model recognized nationwide. Notably, Long spearheaded the Leon CARES program, effectively distributing over $138 million in federal aid during the COVID-19 pandemic and led the county to be a top provider of Coronavirus Relief Funds in Florida. His efforts also brought substantial economic development, including securing a new Amazon robotics fulfillment center and over $1 billion in investments through the Blueprint penny sales tax program. Additionally, his initiatives in sustainability, emergency management, and community engagement, including the creation of a County-run EMS and the Citizen Engagement Series program, have earned Leon County national accolades and solidified its reputation as a model of progressive and effective local governance.

For a fuller list of accomplishments, see below.

• Led a comprehensive organizational transformation and culture shift making Leon County government a nationally recognized model for efficiency, innovation, and citizen engagement
• Launched the Leon CARES program, which was recognized as a national model for the distribution of aid to those hit hardest by the pandemic. Leon CARES leveraged more than $138 million in federal funding to address the community’s most urgent needs.  This required quickly standing up dozens of programs providing direct assistance to more than 8,000 households, nearly 1,000 businesses, more than 180 nonprofits, and distributing 4.1 million meals to the food insecure
• Led the designation of Leon County as the top provider for Coronavirus Relief Funds in Florida and one of the leading distributors of Emergency Rental Assistance funds in the nation by the U.S. Department of the Treasury
• Secured a new Amazon robotics fulfillment center, bringing more than 1,000 full-time jobs, $167.6 million in wages, and generating a total economic impact of $451.1 million
• Played a lead role in the development, successful referenda and implementation of the Blueprint penny sales tax program ensuring 35 years of continuous investment in the community including over $1 billion in economic development and infrastructure improvements
• Guided the development of the Apalachee Regional Park cross country course that led to Leon County hosting the 2021 NCAA Cross Country Championships and the upcoming World Championships
• Marshaled the creation of a County-run Emergency Medical Services (EMS) department to provide emergency medical and transport services to the citizens and visitors of Leon County
• Launched the award-winning Citizen Engagement Series, giving citizens a greater insight into Leon County government operations and the role citizens play in the decision-making process that shapes policies, programs and services.
• Led the County through 3 hurricanes in successive years and the extensive planning, preparation and execution which led to the designation of Leon County as the nation’s first #HurricaneStrong community by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• Promoted the investment of more than $60 million in springs protection over the next six years through a partnership with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, leveraging County funds dollar-for-dollar with state grant funding
• Directed the consolidation of 9-1-1 dispatch functions to better serve the entire community when seconds matter most
• Implementing a sustainability plan that will reduce the County’s greenhouse gas emissions 30% by 2030 and lead to a more sustainable future, ultimately eliminating or upgrading more than 600 septic tanks and protect water quality for generations
• Steered the designation of Tallahassee-Leon County as one of the South’s Best Cities in Southern Living magazine’s third annual South’s Best, the only city in Florida to be recognized in that category
• Guided the creation of Leon County’s recurring Created Equal event, a discussion about race and racial inequity featuring engaging civic discourse in unconventional venues and formats
• Led Leon County to a total of 103 awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for best practices and achievement in County programs and services
• Directed the opening of the Visitor Information Center, strategically positioned between businesses, hotels, and campuses to serve visitors and residents by providing information about the area’s many attractions, lodging, events, restaurants, trails and entertainment options
• Positioned Leon County to remain fiscally viable and responsible to citizens with no change in the property tax milage rate for 11 years in a row and a cost savings of $62.8 million since 2013 while achieving an upgraded AA+ bond rating from Fitch Ratings as a result of sound fiscal policies and long-range planning

On July 6, 2022, the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) recognized Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long as the 2022 recipient of the Award for Career Excellence in Memory of Mark E. Keane. The award is the highest recognition in the profession and is given to one local government CEO in the world each year. Long received this honor for his leadership in implementing transformational projects and policy, managing historic crises, protecting public safety during disaster, and consistently setting the highest standard in public service and transparency.

Florida Association of Counties Executive Director Ginger Delegal:

"It is no surprise that Leon County's CEO Vince Long is being recognized by the ICMA for his leadership, vision and dedication to our community.  Vince has long been a leader and mentor for other administrators across the state.  This award is well deserved and we are fortunate to have him guiding Leon County."

Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce President Sue Dick:

“It is critical to have a County Administrator who understands the importance of jobs and economic development.  He is on my short list of people I know I could call in the middle of the night if I needed to.”

Tallahassee City Manager Reese Goad:

“As a fellow ICMA member, colleague and friend, I am proud to see Vince recognized for his leadership, hard work and outstanding public service. The great partnership between the City and the County is a testament to his collaborative approach, and it is an honor to serve the Tallahassee-Leon County community alongside him."

Reverend Dr. RB Holmes, Jr., Pastor

"Several of the reasons that the Capital Outlook named Vince Long the Person of the Year in 2021, were because of his competence, compassion, character, and commitment to serving all of the citizens of Leon County. Vince is absolutely one the best county administrators is the world. We are so pleased that others recognize the outstanding work that he is doing in this county. He provided unprecedented leadership in helping our citizens and county employees navigate through the pandemic. Because of his exceptional leadership qualities, he has assembled the best talents across this country to implement his bold vision!"

Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil:

“Over the last six years, I have found Vince Long to be a man of impeccable integrity with high values. Vince is a true professional who worked to build consensus among people and organizations. In short, Vince is a trusted and valued partner.”

Leon County Attorney Chasity H. O‘Steen:

“Throughout my time as County Attorney, I have seen Vince guide our community through difficult challenges, and with his leadership, we have all come out stronger on the other side. He is truly deserving of this honor, and I am proud to work alongside such a dedicated professional.”

Acting Chief Judge Frank Allman of Florida’s 2nd Judicial Court

"Vince and the exceptional team he leads have always supported both our court system and our entire community, most especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. With his leadership and hard work, our courts stayed open during even the most unprecedented times. The Court is very happy to see Vince recognized for his hard work.”

• 2022 Award for Career Excellence in Memory of Mark E. Keane by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
• 2021 Capital Outlook Person of the Year
• 2013 Leader of the Year by Leadership Tallahassee

• International City/County Managers Association (ICMA) Credentialed Manager
• Florida Association of County Managers (FACM) Past President and Member
• Florida Local Government Investment Trust (Florida Trust) Board Member
• Institute for County Government (ICG) Board Member
• Florida State University Askew School of Public Administration and Policy Advisory Board Member
• Leadership Florida
• Leadership Tallahassee