Marcus D. Jones, City Manager - City of Charlotte, North Carolina

Marcus D. Jones is the city manager for the City of Charlotte, which operates under a council-manager form of government. The City Council sets policy objectives, and the city manager runs the day-to-day operations of the city, ensuring city operations and business are carried out and administered effectively and in alignment with City Council policy objectives. Jones maintains fiscal stewardship over the city’s $3.2 billion budget in addition to operations of the city’s 20 departments. These responsibilities include community safety, economic development, public transit (bus and light rail), as well as the Charlotte airport (CLT).

Jones is a respected leader in government affairs at the city, regional and national levels. He is immersed in the Charlotte community, fostering and developing relationships in the business, arts and culture, philanthropic and faith-based communities. He is an active board member with the Leading on Opportunity Task Force, Charlotte Center City Partners, Envision Charlotte, TreesCharlotte, YMCA, Charlotte Regional Business Alliance executive committee and the National Forum for Black Public Administrators.

Jones’ energetic and collaborative approach to government and business has transformed organizations to become action-oriented, guided by the city vision and strategy. He challenges teams to innovate and develop partnerships internally and across the community, resulting in long-term, sustainable programs that support upward mobility, job growth and economic development; improved community safety; and stronger city and regional brands.

Jones has more than 25 years of public service experience at the city and state level. His prior experience includes serving as the city manager, assistant city manager and budget director for the City of Norfolk. He also served as the deputy chief administrative officer for Richmond, Virginia, and the deputy secretary of finance for two governors in the Commonwealth of Virginia. While serving with the state government, Jones gained a strong reputation for his ability to negotiate complex financial and legislative issues across party lines.

Jones earned his bachelor’s degree in public administration from James Madison University and a master’s in public administration from Virginia Commonwealth University.