Vernon Jones

Vernon Jones is a dedicated public servant with a strong, conservative record of accomplishments. As the Chief Executive Officer of DeKalb County, Georgia, Jones has been widely honored and recognized for his leadership in government finance, economic development, public safety, quality of life initiatives and his work to improve the environment.

The son of a decorated WWII veteran, Vernon Jones grew up in a devoted Christian family on a working farm in rural North Carolina. It was during his formative years that Jones established his rock-solid work ethic and traditional values. Jones went on to earn a bachelor's degree in business administration and has formerly held leadership positions at MCI WorldCom and BellSouth Cellular. Jones also completed an Executive Program at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. He has served as a member of the boards of the DeKalb Board of Health, the Atlanta Regional Commission, the DeKalb Library Board, the DeKalb Pension Board, and as a former member of the Board of Visitors for Emory University and North Carolina Central University.

Prior to his election as CEO, Jones served eight years in the Georgia General Assembly as a State Representative from DeKalb County. During his tenure, he held positions on the powerful Appropriations and Insurance committees, Health and Ecology, Banking Committee, and special Judiciary Committee.

Elected in 2000 and again in 2004, Vernon Jones became the youngest person ever elected to the CEO position. As CEO, Jones provides leadership to nearly 7,000 employees, directs day-to-day county operations and presides over the twice-monthly meetings of the Board of Commissioners. Jones oversees a $2.6 billion budget in the state of Georgia's second largest county. As a result of Vernon Jones' fiscally conservative stewardship, DeKalb County became one of just 37 counties nationwide to hold a dual AAA bond credit rating from both Moody's and Standard and Poor's.

Throughout his tenure as CEO, Vernon Jones has amassed numerous achievements including the establishment of the nation's first local Homeland Security office in 2001, the adoption of a progressive ethics bill, a comprehensive series of quality improvements for residential building standards, development of a multipurpose center for senior citizens, and historic countywide passage of three separate bond referenda for road improvements, libraries and parks and green space.

Vernon Jones is a passionate advocate for limited government, security and protections for all citizens, balanced budgeting, and helping Georgia's families achieve the American dream. Jones is a proven leader who is ideally poised to do for this country what he has done for his home county.