In the new position, Jones will be responsible for leading the company’s overall Purchasing and Materials Management as well as the MWOB Program, which began in 2002.
“At EPB, the Purchasing team and the Minority and Women-Owned Business Program have worked closely over the years on efforts that total more than $90 million in contracts with business owners since the program began,” Joned noted. “Our goal is to further increase our ability to form successful contracts with diverse companies that help us provide outstanding services for our customers while helping more local companies grow and create jobs.”
David Wade, president and CEO of EPB, said Jones’ promotion is part of EPB’s mission of enhancing quality of life for the community by supporting job creation and broader prosperity.
“Our goal in promoting Ken Jones is to maximize our local economic impact by further integrating our purchasing efforts with our focus on contracting with diverse Chattanooga area businesses whenever possible,” Wade explained.
“Ken was already doing an outstanding job leading EPB’s Purchasing team and has built a strong network of community connections over the years. Adding our Minority and Women-Owned Business Program to his responsibilities is a great fit.”
Jones attended Chattanooga State Technical Community College, where he earned an associate’s degree in Electrical Electronics Engineering Technology, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) where he graduated with a B.S. in Business Entrepreneurship and an MBA in Business Analytics.
Jones started at EPB in 2000 as a Network Technician and has worked for EPB in a range of roles and leadership positions including fiber optics, project management, engineering, strategic planning and, most recently, procurement.
In addition to being the board chair for Erlanger Community Health Centers, Jones currently serves on the board of directors for green|spaces, United Way of Greater Chattanooga, UTC Alumni Association and the Chattanooga Library.
Jones also mentors middle school, high school, college students and adult professionals. Additionally, he works as a volunteer for The Hunter Museum of American Art, American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE), UTC Gary Rollins College of Business and Chattanooga Preparatory School.
“Having the opportunity to make a difference for our neighbors across the Chattanooga area is what makes working for EPB so meaningful to me,” Jones said. “I carry that same commitment into my volunteer work.”
Jones is the proud of father of two adult children and credits his mother as his biggest supporter and role model in success.
Local businesses of all kinds with an interest in EPB’s contracting opportunities are encouraged to contact Jones at joneske@epb.net.