Title: Executive Regional Minister (Retired)

Company: Great River Region CCDOC

Location: North Little Rock, Missouri

Retiring 30 years of expertise in the Christian church, The Rev. Barbara Elaine Jones spent her last 19 years as an executive regional minister at Great River Region CCDOC. There, she helped citizens of the North Little Rock community become devout believers leading them in preaches she’d proclaim, as well as her expertise in nonprofit management and administration. During her daily duties, Rev. Jones oversaw operations in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, supported clergy, families and the congregation, and conducted workshops on leadership, events for women, youth and any topical event, including disaster recovery.

Having already earned an ABD in management of nonprofit agencies from Capella University, and a master’s degree in divinity from Emory University, Rev. Jones is currently earning a Ph.D. She initially became involved in her profession because of her experience in church when she was growing up in the 1960s and 1970s, and wanting to make a difference in the world. Rev. Jones believes her success stems from her charismatic way of interacting with her parishioners, as well as the faith they built within her.

Rev. Jones is the longest tenured female executive in the life of the church to present date. She is also the former vice president of the College of Regional Ministers. In five years, Rev. Jones hopes to continue the transition regarding the merger of all the states, as well as explore other nonprofit opportunities.