Prior to his current position as the Okaloosa County Administrator, John Hofstad served as the Okaloosa County Public Works Director for over four years and as the interim County Administrator on two occasions. Directing the largest department within the county has prepared him for leading Okaloosa County. In addition to leading the Public Works Department, consisting of Road and Bridge, Parks, Solid Waste, Recycling, Mosquito Control, Artificial Reef and Engineering divisions, he also administered four additional departments: Agricultural Extension Office, Facilities Maintenance, Fleet Operations, and Information Systems.

Mr. Hofstad has been a resident of Okaloosa County most of his life and has nearly 35 years of experience in local government service, which includes 10 years with the City of Mary Esther and 14 years with the City of Fort Walton Beach, prior to his employment with Okaloosa County.  John was recently recognized by the Okaloosa County Commission on reaching the 10 year milestone as a dedicated County employee. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management from The University of West Florida and a Graduate Certificate in Florida City and County Management from the Askew School of Public Policy and Administration at Florida State University.

As the County Administrator, Mr. Hofstad manages the day-to-day operations of all departments under the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners. Okaloosa County government consists of departments and constitutional officers within three categories:

• Public Safety: Corrections, Inspections, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Management, Sheriff
• Essential Services: Airports, Constitutional offices, Extension Services, Facilities Maintenance, Growth Management, Information Systems, Judicial, Health Dept., Transit, Public Works, Water & Sewer
• Quality of Life: Museums, Libraries, Parks, Tourist Development Dept., Veterans Services

Mr. Hofstad currently serves on the Board of Directors for the United Way of Okaloosa and Walton Counties, Tri County Community Council, Current Board Chairman of the Horizons Foundation, and Community Solutions Board of Directors. John is a member of the prestigious State wide recognized Florida Association of County Managers and was appointed to the Board of Directors in 2019. As a past Honorary Commander of Hurlburt Field’s 1^st SOW, a participant of the 63^rd National Security Forum at the USAF Air War College, and is an active member of the Crestview Rotary Club.