By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Saturday, July 29, 2017, Nicole Jones (R) announced that she was dropping her run for the State Senate and will instead be running statewide for Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries.
Nicole Jones said in a statement, “Over the past several weeks I have prayerfully considered where to best leave a legacy in our State, and the Lord presented an opportunity that overwhelmed my heart. At this time, I would be honored to have your support as I run for Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries.”
Jones said, “As an experienced and educated economic developer whose life has been devoted to the recruitment and retention of business and industry, I will bring the position to unparalleled levels for residents of all 67 counties.”
Jones said on her website that she would foster an environment conducive for economic growth led by the private sector/free market. Nicole promises to recruit, promote, and maintain relationships within Alabama’s dominant industries: aerospace and aviation, agricultural products and food production, automotive, bioscience, forestry, chemicals, and metal and advanced materials.
Jones promised to recruit, promote, and maintain relationships within Alabama’s foundational targets, which serve a wide range of industries including: corporate operations, cyber security, data centers, distribution and logistics, information technology, and research and development (R&D). Jones said that she will utilize expertise, discernment, and relationships built over a lifetime with a network of business and industry professionals in larger markets to bring jobs and opportunities to all of Alabama’s 67 counties, paying special attention to smaller municipalities and rural areas. Jones also promised to oversee the Department of Agriculture & Industries in a fiscally responsible way, communicate and advocate the needs of our farmers, utilize the brainpower within communities around Alabama to shape policy decisions, and bridge the gap between schools and business/industry to aid in workforce development.
Nicole Jones is the President of Nicole Jones Development and Nicole Jones Commercial Real Estate, which provides expertise in the fields of economic development, business development, and commercial real estate.
Ms. Jones has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and holds both a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Acquisition and Contract Management from the Huntsville Site of Florida Institute of Technology. Nicole Jones also is a Certified Alabama Planning and Zoning Official, a designation awarded by the Alabama Planning Institute, an affiliate of the American Planning Association.
Jones says on her website that she is a lifelong learner and stays on the forefront of economic policy issues through professional development coursework at institutions such as the University of Alabama, EDAA Leadership Institute, and Urban Land Institute.
Nicole Jones says that dedication to professional, civic, and philanthropic organizations as a spokesperson, board member, and corporate sponsor.
In 2013 and 2014, Jones was recognized by The Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County for work with the I Shop Local campaign, a partnership initiative with the Small Business Administration focused on the economic development-related benefits of shopping locally for goods and services. In 2015 and 2017, Jones was a Finalist for the Russell Brown Executive Leadership Award, a tribute to the good works and generosity of the late Russell Brown and the highest level of honor given to business leaders for outstanding contributions to our community.
In March of 2017, Economic Developer Nicole Jones became the first in Huntsville and among the first group in the state of Alabama to earn the EDAA Leadership Certificate. The certification is granted by the EDAA Leadership Institute, a partnership between the Economic Development Association of Alabama (EDAA) and Auburn University’s Government and Economic Development Institute (GEDI).
Jones says that she is a dedicated conservative Republican and is a member of and/or holds leadership roles in various Republican groups throughout our state such as the Republican Women of Huntsville, Alabama Federation of Republican Women, Tennessee Valley Republican Club, and Madison County Republican Men’s Club.
Jones has two children. She said, “Faith, family, and building our community are my Life’s Work.” Jones says that her children often accompany her to projects and volunteer opportunities. The Jones Family promotes Huntsville as a premier city to build a life.
Jones is presently working on a Doctorate in Theology and serves as a Liturgist at Huntsville First United Methodist Church.
Jones said that to lead effectively, she lives with a grateful heart and in total dependence on God.
Current Agriculture and Industries Commissioner John McMillan (R) is term limited from running again.
Jones said, “We will build Alabama together, and as your Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, I will work diligently and tirelessly for YOU.”
Jones had previously announced that she was running for State Senate in District 7; but is suspending that campaign to pursue the Republican nomination for Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries.
The Republican Primary will be June 5, 2018.
