The Ellis County Board of Commissioners announced Monday the appointment of J. D. Cox as the new County Administrator.
Cox was the former Alliance, Nebraska City Manager. He began his duties in Alliance on Jan. 3, 2011 and left in August of 2016.
Cox brings 23 years of local government experience, including 16 years of day to day management. Cox was first City Administrator of Neodesha, KS (in rural Southeast Kansas), followed then by City Manager of Alliance, NE (rural western Nebraska); Bethany, OK (in the Oklahoma City metro); and most recently, Longwood, FL, which is part of the Orlando metropolitan area.
Cox and his wife, Tonya, have three children: Kierstyn of Tallahassee, FL; Cali of Phoenix, AZ; and son Collin who is attending the KUCIMAT public administration master’s program at the University of Kansas.
“Tonya and I are very excited to join the Ellis County community. It’s a beautiful area and Tonya’s parents are from nearby Lucas and Silvan Grove – and we love the area! In addition, we enjoy being involved and look forward to meeting many folks and doing so!”
Cox, who speaks German, also expressed excitement about the German heritage of Ellis County and looks forward to getting involved with those in that community as well.
Cox said, “I truly enjoyed visiting with the County Commission recently and know we’ll make great strides together. I look forward to working with folks in the county, in the cities, and rural population toward its betterment!”
Cox is slated to begin his duties in Ellis County on July 1.
“I also understand that Phil Smith-Haynes did a great job as the last County Administrator, as well as did Fire/Emergency Manager Darin Myers in the interim. I appreciate their fine work and look forward to continuing the positive path both of these gentlemen have taken,” Cox said.
Regarding the hiring of Mr. Cox, Commission Chair Butch Schlyer said “We are very excited to get J.D. on board as our new administrator, as well as into our community. He is a true professional, very community oriented, and brings an impressive resume. We hope everyone welcomes J.D. and his family to Ellis County.”
Cox replaces Myers, who has served as interim administrator since November, when former Administrator Phillips Smith-Haynes accepted a similar position in Saline County.