Maurice A. Jones Appointed Senior Vice Chancellor for Strategic Partnerships for Virginia’s Community Colleges

MEDIA CONTACT: For Immediate Release:

Susan Pollard May 12, 2026
Asst. Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications
(804) 819-4949
[email protected]

Maurice A. Jones Appointed Senior Vice Chancellor for Strategic Partnerships for Virginia's Community Colleges

Richmond, VA - Dr. David Doré, Chancellor of the Virginia Community College System (VCCS), announced today the appointment of Maurice A. Jones as Senior Vice Chancellor for Strategic Partnerships. His service begins on June 10.

"I am pleased to welcome Maurice to serve in this important role," said Dr. David Doré, Chancellor of VCCS. "Having worked with him during his time as a State Board member, I have seen his ability to foster effective partnerships across the commonwealth. With his experience in both public and private sectors, he brings invaluable insights that will enhance our efforts in legislative matters and with building successful industry and philanthropic partnerships producing opportunities for the students and communities we serve."

Jones will lead initiatives to expand public and private resource development and partnerships, legislative engagement, and system-wide communications. In addition, he will serve as the Executive Director of the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE), aligning its initiatives with the VCCS's statewide strategic plan, Accelerate Opportunity. He will focus on obtaining vital resources to strengthen and broaden the capacities of Virginia's Community Colleges, leveraging existing relationships. Also, Jones will cultivate new connections in the state with philanthropic and industry partners to effectively support students and address industry demands across the commonwealth.

"I look forward to forging new public and private sector collaborations and exploring innovative directions that will create more opportunities for our students and positively impact Virginia's economy," said Jones.

With extensive service in both state and federal government, Jones has held key positions spanning administrations. From 2002-2005, he served as Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Social Services and Deputy Chief of Staff to then Virginia Governor Mark R. Warner. In 2014, Jones was named Secretary of Commerce and Trade by then Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, where he worked to leverage the Commonwealth's assets to reinforce its status and reputation as the leading place to live, work, and do business.

During the Obama Administration, he served as the Deputy Secretary for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) from April 2012 to January 2014. In this role, he managed a $40 billion budget and the agency's 8,900 employees. Earlier, during the Clinton Administration, he served as Special Assistant to the General Counsel at the U.S. Treasury Department, Legal Counsel and Director of the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund.

Deeply committed to nonprofit service and higher education, as President and CEO of FirstGen Forward, from April 2024 to June 2025, in Washington DC, he worked to empower first-generation college students. Under his leadership, FirstGen established partnerships with over 500 colleges nationwide, benefiting nearly two million students. Additionally, as the inaugural CEO of OneTen, from March 2021 to March 2023, he organized and led a coalition aimed at upskilling and promoting one million Americans without four-year higher education degrees into meaningful employment, resulting in over 65,000 new hires and 19,000 promotions. His nonprofit leadership experience also includes serving as President and CEO of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) for five years where he significantly increased the organization's investment to support community revitalization and economic opportunities.

"I genuinely believe in the transformative power of education and continue to benefit from it. With nearly half of all public undergraduate students in Virginia attending a community college, we play a significant role in shaping the lives of Virginians. This means we must collaborate with businesses, governments, and nonprofits to address the skills demand and create new pathways and opportunities for our students. I am excited to be a part of VCCS and to contribute to this mission to help make a meaningful difference," Jones added.

Jones has also served on the boards of several institutions, including the University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Hampden-Sydney College, and the Virginia Community College System. Additionally, he is currently a board member of the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education.

Along with his government and nonprofit experience, Jones brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from the private sector. As President and Publisher of The Virginian Pilot in Norfolk from 2008 to April 2012, Jones drove innovation by expanding digital initiatives. Prior to 2008, he served as Vice President and General Manager of The Virginian-Pilot. For those two years, he led efforts to improve operational efficiencies. Also, he was Vice President of the Landmark Publishing Group at Landmark Communications, Inc. from March 2005 to January 2006, overseeing content development and strategic planning. Previously, Jones was Associate Attorney at Hunton and Williams in Richmond.

Jones is also the founder and CEO of MJConnects, a professional services firm established in 2023 that specializes in executive coaching, strategic consulting, customer acquisition, and fundraising across government, nonprofit, and for-profit sectors. He also currently holds the position of Vice President of News at WHRO Public Media in Norfolk, Virginia, where he oversees the strategic growth and operations of the newsroom.

Jones graduated valedictorian and a member of Phi Beta Kappa from Hampden-Sydney College with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. A Rhodes Scholar at St. John's College, Oxford University, he earned a Master of Philosophy in International Relations. Subsequently, Jones received his Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law, where he was recognized as a Hardy Cross Dillard Scholar.

VFCCE Video Interview - Nov.2024

Board Member Maurice Jones: Community Colleges Are Key to Workforce Talent Development in Virginia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=a6vTLOwgryE

About the Virginia Community College System

The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) founded in 1966, plays a crucial role in providing higher education and workforce training across the state. With 23 colleges serving the diverse needs of the commonwealth, VCCS supports over 230,000 students annually. Notably, Virginia's community colleges account for nearly half (48%) of all public undergraduate students in the state. With more than 5.5 million alumni, VCCS is not just a singular institution; it represents Virginia's commitment to accessible education. The system connects with nearly every household in Virginia through various programs, including high school dual enrollment, workforce credentials, and affordable degree pathways, making higher education attainable for all.

About the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education

The Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE) bridges the gap between the dream of higher education and the real-world challenges facing many Virginians. Building the Future of Virginia is the Foundation's action plan to hasten economic and social mobility for under-employed and lower-income residents through education.