Phillip D. Jones is the 27th Mayor of Newport News, Virginia, working to improve education, invest in public safety and modernize City Hall. On January 10, 2023, Mayor Jones took the oath of office as the city’s youngest-elected mayor.
Over the last decade, Mayor Jones has served in leadership roles in the public and private sectors. As a Marine Corps infantry officer, he led his Marines to support peacekeeping and security cooperation missions on multiple continents. As a management consultant with a leading global firm, he advised Fortune 500 companies, municipalities, and nonprofits on strategy, marketing, organization, and operations across all industries.
In the wake of 9/11, Mayor Jones accepted a nomination to the United States Naval Academy, where he graduated with merit with a Bachelor of Science in History. He completed his graduate course of studies at the Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School, where he served as a Tillman Scholar and Co-President of the Veterans Club. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Public Policy (MPP).
Mayor Jones’ vision is for Newport News to become an All-American City focused on leveraging public-private partnerships, modernizing city hall processes, and elevating the narrative of the city on a national level.
Service has been a part of my life since childhood.
I was taught from a young age to value hard work, honor those before me who paved the way and use their sacrifice to make the world, and my community, a better place.
As the son of parents who both served in the military, As a military brat, I spent most of my early years exposed to different cultures and homes worldwide before my parents retired at Langley Air Force Base when I was in middle school.
After the terror attacks on September 11, the trajectory of my life changed forever. I knew it was my time to step up and do my part.
Supported by my mentors and Hampton Roads community, I represented Virginia at the United States Naval Academy, serving as the first black Brigade Sergeant Major.
I was commissioned as a Marine Corps infantry officer, leading peacekeeping and security cooperation missions in Asia, Europe, and Africa.
I graduated from Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School, and returned home to Newport News, working to help businesses financially rebound from the pandemic.
But when I returned home, I saw Newport News still facing some of the struggles from my youth, especially in comparison to other areas of the Commonwealth. Other mid-sized cities had prioritized regional economics and innovation and reaped the benefits through All-America City selections and population growth, but Newport News was decreasing in size and resiliency.
At this moment, I feel called to step up and do more for the city that has done so much for me.
I’m running for Mayor because we stand at a critical junction. In the next handful of years, we can make decisions that will build a foundation for our city’s legacy. We must leverage public-private partnerships, modernize city hall processes, and elevate the narrative of our city on a national level to compete globally.
In every endeavor of my life, I have always sought to work in a collaborative manner to deliver results. As a Marine, I have stood shoulder to shoulder with Americans from all walks of life, races, and creeds to accomplish the mission. That’s the same mentality I’ll bring to City Hall.
I currently serve on the Newport News Planning Commission, the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity Peninsula, and the Board of Trustees for the Commonwealth’s Veteran Services Foundation.
I am determined to make this city a place everyone can be proud to call home and reach our full potential. Let’s accomplish this together.
