Patrick Jones
Patrick Jones, deputy director for pesticide programs with the NCDA&CS Structural Pest Control and Pesticides Division, recently completed the N.C. Certified Public Manager Program. He was among 79 graduates in 2011 representing state agencies and universities across North Carolina.
The CPM program is an intensive curriculum requiring more than 80 hours of classroom participation and more than 120 hours outside the classroom to complete online courses/webinars, assignments and a CPM project. Each participant is required to demonstrate mastery of the concepts, learning and competencies acquired through the program by completing a detailed, comprehensive project designed to improve service or solve a problem in their particular work setting. Jones’ project involved a complete revision of the civil penalty matrix used by the department’s Pesticide Section.
“We are proud to have Pat complete this challenging and rigorous program,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “His commitment to this program while continuing his daily responsibilities serve as a great example of the dedication so many of our employees demonstrate regularly.”
The Certified Public Manager Program is operated by the Office of State Personnel. It is recognized nationally as a singular and prestigious leadership development opportunity for public sector managers to acquire skills in public administration and management. North Carolina is among more than 40 states that form the membership of the national CPM Consortium, which has a reciprocal arrangement for recognizing program graduates who hold the Certified Public Manager designation.
Jones has worked for the department for more than 28 years as a pesticide inspector, field supervisor and enforcement manager. As deputy director, he oversees regulatory and outreach programs focused on ensuring the safe use of pesticides in North Carolina. He is a graduate of N.C. State University with a degree in agronomy.