Loudoun County’s Director of Public Information is leaving his position after nearly 22 years on the job.

Jim Barnes, who was hired in January 1989 as the county’s first public information officer, announced today that he will leave his job at the end of October.

“When I first came to Loudoun County, I never dreamed that I would be in this position for 22 years,” Barnes said in a statement. “I have been honored to serve the people of Loudoun County, but now it’s time for me to take on a new challenge.”

Barnes said he is exploring new opportunities and will do consulting work for the City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA). He has served on 3CMA’s Board of Directors since 1997 and as its president in 2003-2004.

Barnes responsibilities as the county’s public information officer grew tremendously since he joined the county.

In 1989, his duties included media relations and production of the quarterly county newsletter. Over the years, he took on other tasks such as the production of publications, including the county’s annual report and Guide to Services, social media, cable television programming, administration of the county’s cable television franchises, Freedom of Information Act requests, and community outreach programs such as Volunteer Loudoun and Leadership Loudoun.

In 1992, Barnes created the monthly public affairs television series “Inside Loudoun County,” which he hosted for eight years. 

The series, now hosted by Nancy McCormick, still airs on the county government’s cable channel.

In addition to his many duties, Barnes in commemoration of the county’s 250th anniversary in 2007,  wrote a weekly series of articles chronicling the history of the Loudoun County government and its programs, facilities and leaders.  He subsequently compiled the releases in a booklet entitled 250 Years of Service, which received a national award of excellence.

Jim is highly regarded both in Loudoun County and by his peers around the nation, where he is recognized as a leader in the field of public information,”  County Administrator Tim Hemstreet said in a statement.  “He is a class act, and he will be missed.”

County officials have not yet announced who will replace Barnes.