Cindy Jones named new deputy director of administration

Cindy Jones has been named the newly created deputy director's position in the Department of Administration.

She joins Stephanie Day as the second deputy director for the department headed by Jeff Mohlenkamp.

Jones has been administrator of the Employment Security Division for the past 7 years, steering that system through record demand for unemployment benefits caused by the recession. But she said she leaves ESD in very capable hands.

"With all we've been through, my staff has worked very very hard to get those benefits out the door," she said.

Administration, she said, is a new challenge. "It's a different chapter in my public service career to have the opportunity to shape the services we provide to all our citizens," she said.

Director of Administration Mohlenkamp said he and his two deputy directors still are working our some of the details of who will be assigned what responsibilities but Jones will be "primarily responsible for operational management" of several divisions. That includes coordinating departmental functions, customer services, and streamlining operations by reducing redundant and unnecessary functions as well as employee relations.

Mohlenkamp said Day will remain more on the budget, focusing on the development of performance based budgeting for the state.

Gov. Brian Sandoval and the 2011 Legislature approved the second deputy director because the reorganization and expansion of the Department of Administration greatly increased its responsibilities.

The Departments of Information Technology, Personnel, Public Works Board and the Nevada State Library and Archives all moved to Administration, eliminating their independent fiscal and information technology services to save an estimated $1.8 million during the biennium.

Public Works was combined with Buildings and Grounds, which is already in Administration.

Before the reorganization, Administration included Budget, Internal Audits, the Motor Pool, Purchasing, state mail, Administrative Services and its own Information Technology Division.

In addition, the former Personnel Department takes over personnel functions for Business and Industry, Taxation, Education and Agriculture.

The plan eliminates the Cultural Affairs Department director's office, moving libraries to Administration, Museums and History and the Arts Council to the Commission on Tourism and the State Historic Preservation Office to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Breaking up Cultural Affairs saves just $670,000 this coming biennium but an estimated $6.4 million in future biennia.

The reorganization took effect Oct. 1.

Jones has worked for the state 21 years. She grew up in western Nevada, attending junior high and high school in Gardnerville.