Cliff Jo, Pierce County Library System Director of Finance and Business Operations, was named yesterday as the 2015 Government Financial Executive of the Year by The Business Examiner Media Group.

Jo joined Pierce County Library System in 2001 to manage its Information Technology operations, bringing degrees in computer science and physics. Not the kind of background one connects with his current role in finance and business operations. But that link began early with his demonstrated ability to help library executives use spreadsheets and document programs to tell their stories and manage decision-making. Translating complex financial information into something understandable to a lay person (and taxpayer) was important.

Donna Albers, CEO of Albers & Co. and a member of the library’s governing board, said it wasn’t long before his natural affinity for long-range forecasting, project planning, asset management and financial planning was clear. Within two years, Jo was being called upon for expanding leadership assignments.

“Cliff brings part of the ‘heart’ to our executive management team,” said Georgia Lomax, executive director of the library. “He understands our business, not just his piece of the business.” And he’s demonstrated the ability to share that with other co-workers and library patrons, as well.”

The Business Examiner has the list of finalists (winners will be posted by Feb. 13).