Finally, after all these years!
An Atlanta business executive is making history as the first Black person elected as chair of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) board of directors, PR Newswire reports.
Milton H. Jones Jr. is a founding member of Peachtree Providence Partners Holding Company, LLC, an Atlanta-based private investment and consulting firm specializing in providing income for small and mid-level businesses. Jones got his start at Bank of America, working more than three decades in several senior-level positions. As CEO of Peachtree Providence Partners, he focuses on advising and collaborating with CEOs across sectors, including financial services, healthcare, technology, government, and higher education.
Since 2005, Jones has been a member of the UNCF Board, serving as vice-chair of the board and chair of the finance committee. Now, he has been elected as board chair, becoming the first Black person to hold the title in the organization’s nearly 80-year history.
UNCF President and CEO Michael L. Lomax spoke about Jones’ appointment, saying, “All of us at UNCF are excited to have Milton become our new Board Chair. Milton brings a wealth of business knowledge and a thoughtful and collaborative leadership approach that will help us thrive and continue to drive UNCF’s and our HBCU’s impact and growth.”
As board chair, Jones will focus on growing the UNCF endowment fund which benefits the 37 HBCUs belonging to the UNCF network. In addition to his new role, Jones also serves as vice-chairman of the Meharry Medical College Board of Trustees, treasurer and board member of 100 Black Men of America, and co-chair of the Atlanta Chapter of the National Association of Corporate Directors.
“We are incredibly proud of Milton as he assumes this role with UNCF. Milton’s life and career are a testament to his devout commitment to helping others and serving the community. We know he will do excellent things and leave a legacy that inspires others to support and revere our country’s HBCUs,” said Angela Webb, a founding member of Peachtree Providence Partners.
Jones takes over for former retired Chairman William F. Stasior Sr., who served as board chair for the last 11 years. The new chair said he’s excited to get started and help benefit HBCUs and their students.
“Since 1944, UNCF has played an integral role in changing the life trajectory for each student it has served, and I look forward to continuing that legacy. Our member institutions and students remain the focus of our collective efforts. As we progress each year, we will grow our organization by building upon the strong foundation laid at UNCF’s inception and strengthened throughout its history,” said Jones.
Congratulations Milton! Because of you, we can!
Photo Courtesy of Peachtree Providence Partners