It’s hard to retire and walk away from your legacy, but maybe a little easier when the legacy is also retiring.
Larry Johnson knows a lot about legacy…programs, that is. Larry has been a programmer for Flathead County’s Information Technology team for thirty-three years. Over that time, he and his teammates created numerous programs that the county used including business applications for payroll, finance, and even the Sheriff’s information system. All from scratch. No out-of-the-box solution you could find at Best Buy.
The program he’s most proud to be associated with is what the county called the “Land Application” working closely with the Plat Room. The Plat room is the official source of land ownership information, as well as survey records for Flathead County. To be properly taxed, properties had to be correctly surveyed and recorded. For nearly forty years, Larry modified, stretched, and redesigned the program to make it more efficient until this year when the Land Application was retired and replaced with a modern out-of-the-box solution.
And, after thirty-three years, Larry is also retiring (although there is no real replacement for him). Larry has been part of the backbone of the county, even if he and the IT team aren’t as visible as other county employees. Larry has his legacy…many of them, including grandchildren he’s ready to spend more time enjoying. And a cup of coffee Monday morning with his wife.
Said Matt Reynolds, director Flathead County Information Technology team, “Larry's commitment to excellence has been evident in his involvement in multiple conversion projects, which have played a pivotal role in modernizing our operations. While some of you may not have had the opportunity to personally get to know Larry, his impact on Flathead County is undeniable. His expertise and dedication have left an indelible mark on our community, and we all benefit from his hard work.