Maurice Jones facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Maurice Jones
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President and CEO of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation | |
In office 2016–2020 |
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Preceded by | Michael Rubinger |
16th Virginia Secretary of Commerce | |
In office January 27, 2014 – September 6, 2016 |
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Governor | Terry McAuliffe |
Preceded by | Jim Cheng |
Succeeded by | Todd Haymore |
8th United States Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development | |
In office April 18, 2012 – January 2014 |
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President | Barack Obama |
Preceded by | Ron Sims |
Succeeded by | Nani A. Coloretti |
Personal details | |
Born |
Maurice Antonia Jones
September 14, 1964 Mecklenburg, Virginia, U.S. |
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse | Lisa Smith |
Education | Hampden-Sydney College (BA) St John's College, Oxford (MPhil) University of Virginia (JD) |
Signature | ![]() |
Maurice Antonia Jones (born September 14, 1964) is a leader who has worked to create jobs and improve communities. He was the CEO of OneTen, a group of companies focused on creating many jobs for African Americans. Before that, he led the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, which helps develop communities across the country. He also served in the government as the Deputy Secretary of HUD and as Virginia's Secretary of Commerce.
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Maurice Jones: Early Life and Education
Maurice Jones was born in 1964 in a rural area called Mecklenburg County, Virginia. He grew up on his grandparents' tobacco farm near a town called Kenbridge, Virginia.
Learning and Growing
Jones went to Hampden–Sydney College and earned a bachelor's degree in political science. He graduated with honors. After that, he received a special scholarship called a Rhodes scholarship. This allowed him to study at St. John's College, Oxford in England. He also studied law at the University of Virginia School of Law.
Working for the Government
Maurice Jones has held important roles in both the national and state governments.
Helping with Housing and Development
From 2012 to 2014, Jones served as the Deputy Secretary of HUD. HUD stands for the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. This government department helps people find good housing and works to improve communities across the country.
Boosting Business in Virginia
After his time at HUD, Jones became the Secretary of Commerce for the state of Virginia. He worked in the cabinet of Governor Terry McAuliffe from 2014 to 2016. In this role, he focused on helping businesses grow and creating more jobs in Virginia.

Leading Organizations to Create Opportunities
After his government service, Maurice Jones took on leadership roles in organizations that focus on community development and job creation.
Supporting Local Communities
From 2016 to 2020, Jones was the President and CEO of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). LISC is a national organization that invests in communities. It helps build affordable housing, supports small businesses, and improves neighborhoods.
Creating Jobs for African Americans
More recently, Jones became the CEO of OneTen. This is a group of companies that have joined together with an important goal. They aim to create one million jobs for African Americans by the end of the 2020s. These jobs do not require a four-year college degree.
Future Considerations
In November 2020, Maurice Jones was considered for the role of United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in the Biden administration. However, he was not chosen for that position.