THE GOVERNMENT GO-TO GUY | Vince Long

Chances are, if it happens in Leon County government, Vince Long had a hand in it. As deputy county administrator for Leon County, the 37-year-old Long works hand-in-hand with his long-time boss and mentor Pawez Alam, the County Asministrator, to implement the County Commission’s highest priorities. He took the position in 2000 and has helped organize and accomplish tasks such as the change to a charter system of government in 2002 and the county’s takeover of emergency management services in 2004.

During his famously long workdays, Long can be found meeting with state officials, university representatives and community members of all walks of life on a seemingly endless range of issues. Long is at home in his office spending many hours each day buried in documents, plans and budgets of all types. These days most of them have to do with the County’s proposal to provide health care to the poor and underinsured in Leon County – another project that he has taken on with familiar passion and purpose.

Long graduated from Citrus High School in Inverness, and earned a Masters of Public Administration degree from Florida State University in 1995. In 2003, he graduated from Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government’s Institute for Senior Executives in Local Government.

As an Adjunct Professor in the Masters of Public Administration program at FSU, he is committed to developing young professionals for the challenges of local government. “I am fortunate to have the opportunity to teach some of the brightest MPA students anywhere at the Askew School, as well as surrounding myself with talented young professionals at the County. The importance of this work deserves the most competent people that can be attracted to any profession,” he said.

He said he is motivated when he is able to see the fruits of his labor firsthand.

A proponent of planned growth, Long organized the first Leon County Smart Growth Summit, held last June. The hope is to bring the development community together to make long-term plans for smart growth in the area.  

He said he enjoys spending quality time with his wife and three children and wants to coach as much youth sports as he can. Professionally, he wants to continue to step up to the challenges of Leon County.

“I feel a real sense of responsibility with the opportunities I’ve been given,” Long said. “I plan on making my time in Leon County count for something.” – Mackenzie Turberville