Athanase Jones

I grew up in New Orleans, Indianapolis, and Pascagoula, grounded in faith and the belief that we are called to serve something greater than ourselves. Those convictions led my family to the Knights of Peter Claver at its founding more than 117 years ago and continue to inspire my vision for an Order that remains faithful to its mission, united in purpose, and strong for future generations.

As a fourth-generation member and former Junior Knight, I bring a lifetime of commitment to the Order and a proven record of leadership. My service has included roles as Grand Knight, Executive Director of the Order, Gulf Coast District Deputy, and National Secretary. Today, I serve as a National Lay Board Member, lead the Order's media relations and corporate communications efforts, and serve as an Area Deputy in Florida. A member of Msgr. Walter J. Darcy Council No. 335 and Pierre Toussaint Fourth Degree Assembly No. 45 in Jacksonville, I remain actively engaged in advancing the mission and future of the Order.

I am a retired Naval Officer and retired Federal Executive, having concluded my public service career as Chief Financial Officer and Comptroller for the Navy's Southeast Region. Today, I serve as President of Jones Management Group, where I continue to help organizations achieve their missions while supporting property development for affordable housing. Throughout my career, I have been guided by a commitment to servant leadership, excellence, and building opportunities for others. Following my active-duty military service, I was honored to be recognized by former President Bill Clinton and National Urban League President Marc Morial for my leadership in advancing the Navy's diversity awareness programs and fostering a culture of inclusion and respect. My dedication to faith and community service has been equally important to me. I have had the privilege of representing the Order on the National Black Catholic Congress Board and working with the International Alliance of Catholic Knights (IACK). I have also served on the Board of Catholic Charities, working to strengthen families, empower communities, and advance the Gospel through charitable action. I hold a Master of Management degree with a specialization in Organizational Design, and I have spent my career helping organizations navigate change, develop leaders, and achieve lasting success. The experiences I have gained in the military, government, business, and ministry have taught me that effective leadership is rooted in integrity, vision, and service to others. I remain committed to using those principles to strengthen our Order and ensure that its mission continues to inspire future generations.

My leadership is intentional, driven by action, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to the future of our Order. I believe the Supreme Knight must be more than a steward of tradition. He must be a servant-leader with the vision to lead, the courage to make difficult decisions, and the integrity to earn the trust of the membership. I am prepared to lead with conviction, build on our proud legacy, and position our Order for continued growth, relevance, and impact for generations to come.