LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Jonathan P. Jones upon the occasion of
being named a 40 Under 40 2016 Honoree by the ALBANY BUSINESS REVIEW

WHEREAS, In the course of the evolving development of this Empire State,
when the ingredients of shared concern and responsive endeavor combine
in commitment to community, there emerge among the distinguished citi-
zenry of the State of New York, certain individuals who warrant special
recognition; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Jonathan P. Jones upon the occasion of being named a 40 Under 40 2016
Honoree by the ALBANY BUSINESS REVIEW; and
WHEREAS, Annually, the ALBANY BUSINESS REVIEW selects 40 winners from
more than 500 nominations by an advisory committee of business leaders;
the 40 Under 40 program recognizes up-and-coming executives, innovators
and leaders who will shape the future of Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Currently, Jonathan P. Jones is Commissioner of Recreation,
Youth and Workforce Services for the City of Albany, New York; he is the
youngest and first black Commissioner in the City's history; and
WHEREAS, Jonathan P. Jones joined the City administration in 2014; in
this capacity, he directs each division in meeting its mission and
goals; in addition, he manages staff and provides an overall vision for
the Department, which includes ensuring fiscal accountability and needed
capacity to deliver quality programming each day and over the long term;
and
WHEREAS, Prior to his appointment with the city of Albany, Jonathan P.
Jones interned with the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District in
graduate school as well as with the New York State Education Department
in 2006; and
WHEREAS, Following his internships, Jonathan P. Jones worked for near-
ly nine years at the New York State Education Department managing Feder-
al Title I funds which focused on helping low-performing schools and
providing professional development to administrators and teachers; and
WHEREAS, With a strong desire to provide a way in which the human
values of community, caring and serving could be sustained and strength-
ened, Jonathan P. Jones began volunteering on weekends at a community
program in West Hill in 2008; for over six years, he had the opportunity
to mentor and learn from youth in the neighborhood, and pay forward some
of the lessons that had been taught to him by his elders; and
WHEREAS, Defined as an at-risk youth from the east side of Syracuse,
New York, Jonathan P. Jones attended year-round college preparatory and
enrichment courses for seven years at Lemoyne College and Syracuse
University; and
WHEREAS, After losing countless classmates, Jonathan enrolled in
college as an Equal Opportunity student-athlete and studied Sociology as
an undergraduate and Education Administration and Policy in graduate
school; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout, have been his devoted mother and count-
less family members and friends, who have stood by him, helping him to
balance his education, career, home life and his many other responsibil-
ities, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice
in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, intellect and commitment as that demonstrated by Jona-
than P. Jones; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and

sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Jonathan P. Jones upon the occasion of being named a 40 Under 40
2016 Honoree by the ALBANY BUSINESS REVIEW; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Jonathan P. Jones.