Meet Your City Clerk & Finance Director: Kristal Forthner-Jones
It’s not every day that a uniformed police officer shows up at your place of employment, but in 2005, that’s exactly what happened to Kristal Forthner-Jones. Working in the payroll department at the Family Health Center at the time, Kristal was startled when a colleague informed her, “There’s an officer here to see you.”
“I was scared!” Jones recalls with a smile, remembering how she felt when Officer Kevin Jackson arrived looking for her.
However, it was a visit that would mark the beginning of a long and fulfilling career with the City of Laurel. Officer Jackson was there to ask if she was still interested in interviewing for a position she had applied for months earlier — a position with the Laurel Police Department (LPD). That unexpected encounter set her on a path that would lead to her current role as City Clerk and Finance Director.
Jones began her career with the City of Laurel in 2005, working as a records clerk for the LPD. She quickly adapted to the fast-paced and demanding environment, gaining valuable experience that paved the way for her future roles in city government. In 2008, she transitioned to the role of assistant city accountant, and in 2014, she was promoted to city accountant, where she served until 2024. Her dedication and passion for service, along with her strong business acumen, led to her current role as City Clerk and Finance Director.
A graduate of Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, Jones holds a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis on Executive Management. Raised in a household where her mother, Verlina Forthner, was heavily involved in business and the community, Kristal developed a strong sense of responsibility and leadership early on. “I’ve always been business-oriented,” Kristal says, crediting her mother for inspiring her to pursue leadership roles.
Jones’ mother worked for Trustmark Bank for 20 years and Magnolia State Bank for 10 years, where she gained invaluable experience in banking and finance and used her skills to improve the lives of those in her community.
Kristal has followed suit. She is not only a leader in the workplace but also in her community. She is an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., where she has used her leadership to give back through community service, scholarships, and promoting education. Kristal is also deeply involved in the Better Together Heidelberg non-profit organization, which she helped form in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization focuses on revitalizing the town of Heidelberg, Mississippi, through initiatives like downtown beautification, pop-up shops, community clean-up days, and murals. Their biggest achievement was raising funds to redesign a local park, creating a safe and fun space for children to play.
Kristal’s involvement with the community extends beyond Better Together Heidelberg. Her family’s close-knit bond and commitment to service have fueled her efforts in various organizations, including the Zodiac Ladies social group, which organizes events like a Thanksgiving dinner and other community-driven activities. These endeavors not only strengthen her hometown but also promote youth involvement and leadership.
When Jones isn’t serving the City of Laurel or contributing to her community, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her daughter and son, and unwinding from the long drive back to Heidelberg, where she grew up. Despite the daily commute, she cherishes the quiet time as a way to decompress after a busy day.
Her journey from a payroll department clerk to City Clerk and Finance Director is a testament to her resilience, hard work, and dedication to her community. As Jones continues to contribute her skills to the City of Laurel, her story is a reminder of how an unexpected encounter can change the course of a career and impact an entire city.
