Eastern, NC [October 1, 2026] NC East Alliance has named Gerald A. “Jerry” Jones, Jr. as Chairman of its Board of Directors, bringing decades of leadership, business experience and community service to the organization as it continues to strengthen connections between employers, educators, communities and talent across Eastern North Carolina.
Jones has served on the NC East Alliance Board of Directors since 2022, giving him four years of experience working alongside the organization and its regional partners before assuming the role of Board Chair.
“Jerry has been an engaged and committed member of the NC East Alliance Board for the past four years, and we are grateful for the leadership he brings to this role,” said Dr. Trip Belote, President & CEO of NC East Alliance. “His understanding of Eastern North Carolina, combined with his experience in business, local government and community leadership, gives him a valuable perspective as we continue building stronger connections across our region.”
A longtime Morehead City business owner and community leader, Jones is President and Owner of G.A. Jones Construction Company, Inc. and Advanced Roofing Company, LLC. His professional experience also includes service as President of the North Carolina League of Municipalities in 2009–2010, following previous service on the organization’s Board of Directors and as Vice President.
Throughout his career, Jones has been involved in organizations focused on economic development, infrastructure, emergency preparedness, transportation, education, community development and regional collaboration. His service has included the U.S. 70/I-40 Corridor Commission, Carteret County Economic Development Council, Carteret County Local Government Emergency Planning Committee, Beaufort-Morehead City Airport Authority and Eastern Carolina Council of Government.
Jones has also held numerous leadership roles with the North Carolina League of Municipalities, Allies for Cherry Point’s Tomorrow, the Military/Civilian Council and the Crystal Coast Mayors Association.
His commitment to Eastern North Carolina extends into community service, including work with the Carteret County Homebuilders Association, Carteret County Partnership for Children, Boys & Girls Club of Carteret County, North Carolina Seafood Festival, Habitat for Humanity and the Morehead City Fire Department, where he served as a firefighter and lieutenant for more than two decades.
“NC East Alliance has a unique opportunity to bring people and organizations together around the challenges and opportunities facing Eastern North Carolina,” said Jones. “I am honored to serve as Board Chair and look forward to working with the Board, Trip and the entire NC East team as we continue building connections across our region.”
Jones has received the Distinguished Service Award from the Morehead City Jaycees, the Regional Leadership Award from the Eastern Carolina Council and the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.
As Board Chair, Jones will work with the NC East Alliance Board and leadership team as the organization continues its work across its 29-county region, connecting employers, educators, community colleges and regional partners to build stronger career pathways, connect talent to opportunity and help communities and industries make informed decisions about the future.
