Dorchester County Government is pleased to announce Woodrow “Jerry” Jones III as their new County Manager. In this position, Mr. Jones will play an essential role in guiding the County’s success and leadership. Mr. Jones was appointed by the Dorchester County Council, and will serve as the lead administrator for all government operations. Mr. Jones will be responsible for leading the administration and functions of all departments, agencies, and offices of the Government, as well as, the care and custody of Government buildings and all real property of the County. The Council will rely on Mr. Jones to fully advise them on the financial condition and future needs of the County and make appropriate recommendations.
Mr. Jones graduated from Cambridge South Dorchester High School in 1988, beginning his career as a Maryland State Police Cadet shortly after. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree in Management from Johns Hopkins University and is a graduate of its Police Executive Leadership Program.
In November 2015, Governor Larry Hogan appointed Mr. Jones to the rank of Colonel and named him as Chief of the Maryland Transportation Authority Police. Colonel Jones led more than 600 sworn and civilian police professionals responsible for securing Maryland's critical infrastructure to include Maryland’s toll roads, tunnels, bridges, BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport and the Port of Baltimore. Colonel Jones was then appointed by Governor Hogan to be the Secretary of the Maryland Department of State Police, and its 20th Superintendent on February 22, 2020. While serving as a cabinet member for Governor Hogan, Colonel Jones led the 2,400 sworn and civilian members of the Maryland Department of State Police until December 31, 2022. Mr. Jones’ career with the Maryland State Police spanned 27 years where he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel and Chief of the Field Operations Bureau, a key member of the command staff responsible for leading a patrol force of nearly 1,000 sworn and civilian personnel. His roles with the Maryland State Police included various patrol, investigative, supervisory, and command positions throughout the Department.
“After 35 years in law enforcement serving all over Maryland, it is great to be home, serving the community where I have lived my entire life, and raised my family.” Since his retirement from law enforcement, Mr. Jones enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, collaborating on leadership development projects, playing saxophone, and boating on the Choptank River.
“I envision advancing relationships within our community, developing ideas together in ways that move our County forward. The most valuable asset of our community is the citizens who call it home. I believe the best ideas to move us forward lie within our citizenry.”
Dorchester County is committed to its citizens and is confident that Mr. Jones will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in public service to Dorchester County. Mr. Jones will begin his role as County Manager on May 20, 2024.
