Town of Apex issued the following announcement on Mar. 8.
The Town of Apex strives to be a place where all are welcome. To that end, the town’s ever Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Director is now on the job.
Linda Graham Jones joined the town on February 21st. She has for the City of Raleigh in various community engagement roles beginning in 2003, most recently as the Community Engagement Administrator in the Housing and Neighborhoods Department.
“Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is a priority for the Town of Apex – working together as a staff, Council, and community, we can ensure that Apex remains a welcoming, safe, and vibrant community that values all who live and visit here,” said Mayor Jacques Gilbert.
Jones will spend her first few weeks on the job with an internal focus on building relationships with the Council and staff and getting familiar with the culture, and assessing current equity efforts by the Town. Next up will be creating a clear vision and effective framework for developing a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion, leading strategic initiatives that promote belonging and support working environments where all have an opportunity to succeed, and building external relationships with the community.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve in this role,” said Jones. “I am looking forward to being a part of the community-building process that can help employees and residents from all backgrounds create a sense of belonging.”
A native of Mount Airy, North Carolina, Jones holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business management and minor i Communication Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Additionally, she has obtained a Technology of Participation ToP® Facilitation certification from the Institute of Cultural Affairs, a Public Executive Leadership Academy certification and Municipal and County Government Administration certification from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Government, a Nonprofit Management certification from Duke University, the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) certification, International Association of Public Participation (IAP2), and the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Raleigh certification, and is a Certified Everything DiSC Workplace® Facilitator.
Town Manager Catherine Crosby noted, “The town is excited to have Linda join our team. Council is committed to ensuring we are a diverse and welcoming community for all with equitable access to live, work, play, and do business in Apex.”
Original source can be found here.
Source: Town of Apex
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