United Way of Central Iowa Welcomes Joseph Jones as Chief Community Impact Officer

We are proud to announce the appointment of Joseph Jones as United Way of Central Iowa's new Chief Community Impact Officer (CCIO). Jones brings more than two decades of leadership experience in public policy, nonprofit management, education, and civic engagement to the role, which is central to our mission of improving lives and building a thriving community.

Jones will join our senior leadership team on October 27, where he will lead our community engagement efforts and oversee strategic initiatives aligned with our UNITED to THRIVE framework. In this role, he will define United Way of Central Iowa’s impact strategy, foster cross-sector collaborations, and guide systemic solutions to address critical community issues.

“Joseph’s deep commitment to public service and his proven ability to convene diverse stakeholders make him the ideal leader to help shape our community impact work,” said Mary Sellers, President and CEO of United Way of Central Iowa. “His strategic vision will be instrumental as we continue to mobilize our community and drive meaningful change across central Iowa.”

Jones most recently served as chief of staff at Des Moines University, where he led government relations and strategic initiatives for the Office of the President. Prior to that, he was the executive director of The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement, where he championed national policy issues related to disability rights, wellness, retirement security, and labor. His career also includes leadership roles at the Greater Des Moines Partnership, the Iowa Finance Authority, and the Office of U.S. Senator Tom Harkin.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Jones is a dedicated civic leader, currently serving as a city council member for Windsor Heights and holding board positions with the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation, Mid-Iowa Health Foundation, and the American Council of Young Political Leaders.

Jones holds a Ph.D. in Education and a Master of Public Administration from Drake University and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics from Loyola University New Orleans.

“I am honored to join United Way of Central Iowa at such a pivotal time,” said Jones. “I look forward to working alongside our staff, partners, volunteers, and community members to build a more equitable and thriving central Iowa for all.”