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GRAND RAPIDS — The Board of Directors of the Grand Rapids Urban League has named Joseph Jones as the Interim President and Chief Executive Officer. Jones will serve in this interim position prior to the Board initiating a search to replace retired President/CEO Rev. Dr. Walter Brame.

Jones is currently President of E.E. Milestone + Associates, Inc., a strategic communications firm in Grand Rapids.  As the Interim President of the Grand Rapids Urban League, Jones will lead development and implementation of a strategic agenda aimed at enhancing the quality of life in the underserved urban communities of Grand Rapids.

“The Grand Rapids Urban League is thrilled to have Joe lead us in our efforts to improve the economic and social well being of our culturally diverse community,” said Rev. Dr. Fred Wooden, chairman of the League’s Board of Directors.  “Joe’s experience in the non-profit area, his belief in the empowering nature of education, and his commitment to strengthening and serving families is a great step toward continuing the far-reaching impact of our agency.”

“I am humbled and honored to have been selected by the Board to carry on the very important work of the Grand Rapids Urban League,” said Jones. “I am looking forward to expanding the League and its commitment to not only metropolitan Grand Rapids, but also throughout West Michigan. Our city prides itself as a leader in developing public/private partnerships.  I’m convinced it’s going to take that kind of approach and collaborative effort to close the gap on the great disparities that exists in the urban communities, especially in the areas of employment, economic development, education and health,” Jones said.

Jones has been in business for over 11 years and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Oakland University in Rochester, MI. An ordained minister, he currently attends Grand Rapids Theological Seminary and is pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Ministry Leadership. Jones is active in the community and serves on several advisory boards and initiatives, including: Grand Rapids Urban Young Life, LifeQuest Ministries, Grand Rapids Symphony, One Kent Coalition, Southgate Block Club, and the Chemical Bank Community Advisory Board. He has been the recipient of the Grand Rapids Business Journal’s 40 Business Leaders Under 40 Award, the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce’s Minority Business Advocate Award, and most recently LINC Community Revitalization, Inc.’s Community Spirit Award. He is an Associate Minister at Brown Hutcherson Ministries. Jones and his wife, Jessie, are the parents of two sons and two daughters, and proud grandparents of two grandsons.  They reside in Grand Rapids.

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• economic development
• grand rapids
• joseph jones
• urban league