Name: Nona C. Jones
Birthdate: July 23, 1982
Where were you born? East Orange, NJ
What are your community activities? (church or faith-based involvement, local, regional and national professional organizations, non-profits, etc) Leadership Florida Leadership Team, Girl Scouts of Gateway Council Board (Chair), Gainesville Women’s Forum (President), Florida Municipal Electric Association (Secretary/Treasurer), PACE Center for Girls Board of Trustees (Secretary), Gainesville Chapter of The Links, Inc. (Vice President for Membership), Education Foundation of Alachua County (Immediate Past President), AvMed Health Plans Advisory Board, March of Dimes Board
List any awards you have won for community service: Girl Scouts Women Who Make a Difference, Home Magazine 13 Under 30, University of Florida Outstanding Young Alumnus
What is your definition of success? The ability to live your life with contentment.
What is your greatest professional accomplishment? Being recognized by peers by being elected to serve as Secretary/Treasurer of the Florida Municipal Electric Association, the trade association for the 34 municipal utilities in the state of Florida. This places me in line to become President in 2016.
How do you exemplify the spirit of a Forty Under 40 professional? Having been nominated by someone, I’m not exactly sure what they saw in me that prompted my nomination. I simply work hard and have a strong belief in community leadership. In that regard, I am sure that every other nominee exhibits the same qualities. I am honored.
Businessperson who has most inspired you: John Maxwell.
Best advise ever received: Be a lifelong learner. Read everything. Be present and engaged at meetings; texts and emails can wait.
Greatest professional challenge: Staying current with rapidly changing regulations and legislation impacting the energy industry.
First job: Cashier at Food Lion (lasted 1 day)
What color crayon would you be? Why? Green. I feel green is a calming color. I try to stay calm when under stress and try to maintain tact and diplomacy during heated situations.
Favorite after-work drink: I do not drink alcohol, so I enjoy a nice cold glass of ice water or, if I want to spice things up a bit, a Shirley Temple.
If I had a magic wand, I’d: Make everyone have the desire to understand those who disagree with them instead of marginalizing their disagreement.
What is your favorite Gadget? I am an aspiring Christian music songwriter and I demo my songs in my home studio. I absolutely love my MIDO controller and MIDI editing software so I can clean up any mistakes in my compositions without having to play the music from scratch.
How long have you been in Gainesville? 13 years.
What do you love most about Gainesville/Alachua County? I love the people and the commitment they share to making the community a place where families can thrive.
Three things people would be surprised to know about you: 1. I am a musician, songwriter, and vocalist. 2. I want to learn how to fly a plane. 3. When I retire from GRU, I would like to attend medical school and become an oncologist.
Advice you would give a younger you: Stop worrying about pleasing people who are determined to disapprove of you. Life is too short. Learn to live it and enjoy it.