Jones was recently named one of the ten contestants for Dancing with the Tri-Cities Stars, a local fundraiser for SteppenStone Youth Treatment Services. Over the years he has helped in just about every community project that is out there. He has helped build houses and passed out water roadside for Wounded Warriors, “but I never imagined that I’d be dancing for a non-profit!” I suppose that when one volunteers he/she must always be ready to volunteer for just about anything. Jeff has served on various boards over the years, supporting three to five non-profit organizations each year and was recently selected as the 100th Board President for the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce in 2015. Aside from all of this he also joins forces with a host of Citi employees to tackle volunteer projects in the community. “Each year, more than 10,000 hours are volunteered in the community by employees, completing anywhere from 40-60 projects.” Citi employs more than 1,600 people in the Tri-Cities and, although it is not the largest call center in North America, the Gray facility has become a preferred Citi location for visits from company leaders and potential new clients. Jeff Jones attributes this to one thing, “our people. This location maintains one of the lowest attrition rates in the industry and is widely known for its expertise and culture.” The employees in this area are committed to both the customers and the communities that they live in. To help celebrate Citi’s recent 200-year anniversary, Jones and his family set out to complete 200 acts of kindness. “Not only did the children venture out into the community with us, but they also learned that kindness comes in many forms: no matter the size.” Currently Jeff Jones serves as a Board member for the Ronald McDonald House, Northeast State Foundation, the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce, and the East Tennessee State University Foundation. “I consider it an honor to be a part of programs and services that enrich the lives of others.” His goal for the area sounds simple, but it likely involves much more time and energy than any of us could imagine. “I want to bring new opportunities to the area, and not only for business, but for employees and the community as well.” Jones reveals that these three components are uniquely intertwined because, “as client needs evolve, Citi delivers solutions to meet those needs. These advancements help create new business, which can result in additional jobs to the Tri-Cities. As a long-standing corporate partner in the community, Citi is the employer of many volunteers, some of whom are the first to respond when community needs strike.” Employee commitment and dedication at Citi is unparalleled and is just one of the reasons that Jones works so hard to provide a sustainable business that he hopes will last for years to come. Another hope is that he can bring opportunity to the community in Johnson City and in the Tri-Cities area. After twenty-eight years he still feels honored to love what he does every day. He continues to be inspired by how much Citi employees give back to the community through volunteer efforts and financial contributions. For those who might be getting started in the Tri-Cities, Jones has several words of advice. “I recommend taking the time to increase your knowledge of the area from a civic, economic, social and demographic perspective. Having a solid understanding of the industries and businesses that surround you is critical for success in this area.” The community is safe in the hands of Jeff Jones and Citi because if anything ever happens we know who will be first on the volunteer list.
HE ROLLS
their lives and the lives of their families is something that Jones sees as the driving force behind what he and Citi do for the community. “Early in my career, key leaders instilled in me the importance of giving back to the community. Their example motivated me to get involved, which plays a key role in my community work today.”