Backup Documents 05/11/2021 Item # 1B lB
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Leo Ochs, Jr. has a bachelor's degree in political science and government from Illinois
Benedictine University and a master's degree in public administration from Northern Illinois University. His
professional affiliations include both the International and Florida City and County Manager Associations; and
WHEREAS, Leo Ochs is a 40-year veteran of local government management who was hired by Collier County
Government in 1986 to direct the Personnel Department after having served for eight years in Joliet, Illinois as
Assistant to the City Manager, Community Affairs Administrator, Risk Management Director, and Human
Resources Director; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Ochs was promoted to the position of Collier County Administrative Services Administrator in
1987 where he managed the county's internal management and support functions including human resources,
budget, procurement, information technology, and facilities management; and
WHEREAS, in 1995 Mr. Ochs assumed additional responsibilities for the county's emergency services
operations and in 2000 was appointed to direct the county's Public Services Division responsible for parks,
libraries, social and veterans' services, museums, and domestic animal services; and
WHEREAS, after serving as Assistant County Manager and Deputy County Manager beginning in 2001, Mr.
Ochs was appointed Collier County Manager on September 29, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Ochs has been an active leader in the community serving as a board member and President
of the United Way of Collier County; graduating from the Leadership Collier Class of 1999; was a director on
the Leadership Collier Foundation Board; and served on the College of Business and Public Administration
Advisory Board at Hodges University; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Ochs has provided vision and leadership as County Manager for more than a decade,
establishing priorities and driving countless successful projects and transformative initiatives which have made
Collier County the world-class community it is today; and
WHEREAS, when it was needed most, including during the great recession, Hurricane Irma, and the global
coronavirus pandemic, Mr. Ochs demonstrated exemplary leadership and steady direction; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Ochs' character, integrity and compassion are admired and respected and will be impactful
for years to come;
NOW THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County, Florida, that it is
with great honor that we recognize Collier County Manager Leo Ochs, Jr. for his leadership and long and
distinguished career with Collier County Government and that May 11, 2021 be designated as
LEO OCHS DAY IN COLLIER COUNTY
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DONE AND ORDERED THIS 11th Day of May 2021.
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BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
CO COUNTY, FLORIDA
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