KINGMAN – Nichole Jenks, Managing Director of the Mohave County Public Works Department, responds to Director Steve Latoski.

It is the second largest department in the county with approximately 180 employees. (The Sheriff’s Department is the largest at about 260.)

Jenks has multiple tasks to manage in a busy position. She performs management and supervisory level work in organizing, directing and coordinating the business functions of her assigned departments. Her typical duties include creating, monitoring and auditing budgets and grants. Approve expenditures; establish departmental accounting procedures;Development, coordination, implementation and training of users in the operation of departmental computer systems and other administrative support systems

Jenks also provides administrative support to a staff of engineering and research managers, as well as various office assistants and administrative managers in other departments. She was born and raised in Pasadena, California and moved to Mojave County for her family reasons.

Jenks previously worked for Mojave County Community Services as a Neighborhood Stabilization Program Coordinator from 2011-2013. This position arose from the successful establishment of the HERA Fund (Housing & Economic Recovery Act). This was a special program that used her $2 million grant to Mojave County to purchase certain foreclosed homes for income-eligible families. Family members had to qualify and could not be investors. Jenks holds a real estate license and her special knowledge helped us successfully execute and manage the program. In the end, about 30 houses were purchased.

She remained with the county from 2013 to 2017, moving to the Department of Public Works as an administrative supervisor. However, in 2017 she moved to Flagstaff where she remained for four years with her ADOT partner as facilitator for the Northwest, North Central and Northeast Districts. She has worked with the Capital Construction project team and completed various training sessions on the Arizona Management System (AMS).

In September 2021, Jenks returned to Kingman, bought a new home, and enjoyed gardening, cooking, and playing with his rescue cat, Simon. In her spare time, she enjoys reading novels by famous authors Robin Cook and James Patterson, as well as non-fiction history and biographical books.

Jenks also enjoys cooking, playing disc golf (formerly known as frisbee golf) and yoga. As for the latter, she is currently studying for her 200-hour yoga trainer certification. She wants to teach yoga classes.

Jenks’ boss, Steve Latoski, said: She has successfully facilitated stakeholder alignment and cooperation on major highway construction projects, including ADOT’s project in Mojave County. We are excited to have her participate in public works and work with our team of public works experts to provide outstanding customer service to Mojave County residents. ”

Jenks adds that these day-to-day demands from the public may be the most important responsibility in her job.

Jenks himself said, “I am very excited to be returning to my previous position and have learned a lot because many of the county processes have changed and gone electronic. is saved.”

She already offers more than she needs.

(This is one of a series of profiles for Mojave County employees by the County Communications Department.)