For KaTonya Jones, MBA, Executive Director of the Embassy Community Development Corporation (ECDC), leadership begins with compassion. Every decision, every board meeting, and every initiative she touches circles back to one guiding truth: people matter most.
“I’ve witnessed families who simply needed housing, food, or hope to keep going,” she reflects. “I realized the decisions that shape their future are often made in the boardroom, and I wanted to be part of those conversations.”
“My work, my ministry, and my personal life are all aligned and share the same heartbeat—restoring dignity and strengthening communities,” she says. “When board service fits that calling, it doesn’t feel like another obligation. The work is tied to my purpose, so it flows with the rest of my life rather than competing with it.”
“my role is about keeping families front and center.”
As Executive Director, KaTonya plays a critical role in keeping the organization’s mission on track, supporting leadership, the board of directors, and ensuring that the stories of the people they serve remain central to every decision. While she is no stranger to analyzing budgets and approving strategic plans, she never loses sight of the human impact behind the numbers. “At the end of the day,” she says, “my role is about keeping families front and center.”
Her philosophy of board engagement is both practical and profound. “At its best, board service is sacred work,” KaTonya emphasizes. “It’s about helping an organization create real change for real people. Your presence, your network, and your perspective matter— so be prepared to bring it all to the boardroom. The best board members are willing to serve, to listen, and to show up fully. If you keep that focus, the rest will fall into place.”
Through her leadership, KaTonya Jones exemplifies what it means to lead with both heart and strategy. She stands as a reminder that when purpose meets service, transformation happens—not only in communities, but in the people who choose to serve them.
Marci Bryant, MBA is a digital strategist and the CEO of Sync Digital Agency, where she helps business owners increase efficiency and profitability through AI, apps and automation. You can connect with Marci on LinkedIn.
