Felecia Jones, one of the original organizers of the Black Belt Community Foundation, has been named executive director of the newly chartered agency, with offices located on Lauderdale Street in Selma. The action was taken at a recent meeting of the foundation’s board.

Jones said, “I am so proud to be able to serve as executive director of this foundation. I love the Alabama Black Belt. The vision and mission of the foundation are my vision and mission.”

The foundation’s vision statement says, “Our vision is of a transformed Black Belt, where all of our residents contribute to healthy communities and a productive regional economy, and reap the benefits of our shared gifts.”

Jones, a native of Sumter County, has served as executive director of the Sumter County Industrial Development board for the past eight years. Her educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Tuskegee University and an MBA degree from the University of Alabama.

The announcement was made by board chair and chair of the search committee, Dr. Carol Zippert, publisher and editor of the Greene County Democrat.

Zippert said that the search committee had conducted a nationwide search, had received applications from across the country and interviewed the top four candidates. “Felecia just stood out,” she said of the selection.

According to information provided by the foundation, Jones previously worked as an internal auditor and accountant supervisor with Cargill Inc. and chairs the Greene/Sumter Enterprise Community Board which provides for economic and community development in the two counties.

In addition to Jones’ educational background and professional experience, Zippert noted, “She is a member of Leadership Alabama ans she was instrumental in the formation of Leadership Sumter County. She is a former member of the Black Belt Community Foundation Board of Directors and Organizing Committee. She has worked with persons of all races, genders and economic backgrounds in her economic development work and community activities. She has the ability, foundation and preparation to serve as executive director of the foundation.”

Zippert said that Jones will work closely with the board in implementing the mission of the foundation. “We will not dump the whole load on Felicia. The board and community will have to carry its share of the load along with the executive director. We have to work together. That is what the community foundation is all about.”

Zippert said that Jones will eventually live in Selma.