John A. Titkanich writes a letter of recommendation for Alphonso Jefferson for an executive level position. He describes Alphonso as providing stable leadership as Deputy County Administrator of St. Lucie County, developing the framework to implement $55.5 million in CARES Act funding and overseeing $65 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding. Alphonso exhibits the highest integrity, is a thoughtful leader who seeks to develop others, and is active in the community through several organizations. As a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Alphonso possesses strong analytical skills and works daily to enhance the county. John highly recommends Alphonso for his leadership and professionalism.

1. John A. Titkanich, Jr., AICP, ICMA-CM
jtitkanich@me.com I (321) 831-2448
January 9, 2023
To Whom It May Concern:
It is with great pleasure I write this letter of support and reference for Mr. Alphonso Jefferson.
I’ve known and worked with Alphonso since he joined St. Lucie County as Deputy County Administrator
in 2020. He was tasked with serving as the lead in the County’s recovery efforts from the COVID-19
public health emergency, and from day one he provided stable and necessary leadership. He truly hit
the ground running, focused and driven to ensure an effective response to assist residents, non-profits,
and businesses in recovering from the impacts of COVID-19. He led the team to develop the framework
to implement and manage the County’s $55.5 million CARES act allocation. He continued to serve in
this leadership role overseeing the implementation and guiding the County in the strategic use of
nearly $65 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding.
My observations of Alphonso are that he always exhibits the highest level of integrity, he is a
thoughtful and effective leader, and he is fair to all who work with him. He genuinely seeks to make
others with whom he leads and works more effective and capable public administrators.
In addition to being a dedicated public servant, he’s an active member in the community. He serves as
the President of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators – Treasure Coast Chapter, Vice-
Chair of the United Way of St. Lucie & Okeechobee County, and a Board Member of both the St. Lucie
Chamber of Commerce and Boys and Girls Club. Moreover, he actively mentors students in the
community, and he established a scholarship in partnership with Indian River State College to help
students in the Treasure Coast region.
I’ve personally witnessed Alphonso interact and engage the community and build relationships to
address community issues and needs. Through his collaborative leadership style, he works with
stakeholders to address issues like the Opioid Crisis, homelessness, and community revitalization. He
can also be found leading and guiding his team to improve business processes, create value in services
provided to customers, and eliminate unnecessary duplication and waste. As a Lean Six Sigma Black
Belt he possesses the necessary analytical skills and technical competence that are vitally important for
organizational improvement, and he daily puts those skills to work to enhance St. Lucie County.
As a former city manager, and a member of St. Lucie County’s executive management team, I highly
recommend Alphonso for any executive level position. Your organization will benefit from his
leadership and professionalism, he will quickly become an asset. He is an outside the box thinker,
achievement-oriented, and a passionate leader others want to follow. He understands and exemplifies
positive leadership on a daily basis.
Sincerely,
John A. Titkanich, Jr., AICP, ICMA-CM