Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop talked about why he, along with Bartholomew County Commissioner Carl Lienhoop and Columbus Regional Health President and CEO Jim Bickel, chose Jeff Jones to lead the substance abuse initiative that eventually became ASAP.
Here is an excerpt from Lienhoop’s speech at August’s ASAP report meeting about why Jones was chosen:
“Three years ago when we began to get serious about addressing the opioid crisis, we knew two things. First, we knew that we all needed to work together: the city, the county and the local health system. This has turned out to be the most important decision we made and the decision that has allowed us to accomplish everything you’ve heard tonight.
“The second thing we knew is that we needed a leader with very specific characteristics. From the job description:
Knows and is respected by key leaders in Bartholomew County and Indiana
Successful at leading a broad, diverse organization or initiative.
Success at leading people or organizations toward a goal when they don’t report directly to him or her
Track record of innovative thinking and problem-solving
Track record of effectively communicating big or novel ideas
Has or can quickly gain the community’s confidence
No immediate political aspirations
Can lead without needing to take credit for accomplishments
Passion for the cause and motivated to lead through the tough work ahead”
Leinhoop said it turned out that all these characteristics were found in Jones.
“…In the end, the final two characteristics really turned out to be the ‘secret sauce’ to Jeff’s and ASAP’s accomplishments,” Lienhoop said. “Like all great coaches, Jeff always has given credit to his team members first. He is most comfortable when his team gets credit. He appears to operate by the adage, ‘You can accomplish anything if you don’t care who gets the credit.’”
Lienhoop said Jones’ passion for the cause is what set Jeff apart.
“You will not find anyone with more passion for this cause,” he said. “His team and ASAP colleagues will tell you there were many difficult moments, many challenges, and much ‘tough work’ over the last two-and-a-half years. Jeff’s passion helped us stay focused on the goals rather than the challenges.”
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At the end of the August report meeting for the Alliance for Substance Abuse Progress at The Commons, ASAP executive director Jeff Jones was presented with the establishment of the Jeff Jones Fund as a thank you for his work on the ASAP initiative.
The Jeff Jones Fund was established at ASAP, with $63,763 in donations.
Jones will direct the fund, with the money be used to address substance use disorder in Bartholomew County.
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As far as returning to retirement, Jeff Jones emphasized that Columbus is his family’s home and will remain so.
"It’s a great place for us to call home," he said.
Jones said he plans to spend time with family, do some traveling and take time for some of the fun stuff, like playing golf.
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