Q&A with New Board Chair Miles Jones

September 6, 2024 | Published by Julie Buchanan

A portrait of Miles Jones wearing blue shirt with blurred background of green trees

Miles M. Jones Jr. has served on the CVWMA Board of Directors since 2017.

Miles M. Jones Jr. of Richmond was sworn in Aug. 16 as chair of the CVWMA Board of Directors. Jones, who works in the city’s Department of Public Works, was appointed to the board in 2017.

We asked him some questions about his career and what he hopes to achieve in the next year.

Q: Tell us about yourself.

A: I’m Miles Maxfield Jones Jr., born and raised in Richmond, Virginia’s northside to Richmond Police Officer Miles M. Jones Sr. and Richmond Public school teacher Clara Jones. I attended John Marshall High School and, upon graduation, enlisted in the U.S. Army as an 68S – Preventive Medicine Specialist.

My role was to help maintain the safety, health and well-being of all Army soldiers and personnel. Preventive Medicine Specialists are the central members of the Medical Services Corps Preventive Medicine Sciences team, which is charged with studying and preventing the spread of disease and infection within the Army from a host of environmental factors. Endemic diseases, food, water, insect/arthropods, soil, air and industrial hygiene issues are the main areas of concern.

I served 26 years on active duty and lived all over the globe: Louisiana, Texas, Germany, Korea and Hawaii, just to name a few places. In December 2014 I retired at the rank of Master Sergeant (E-8), with multiple combat deployments in support of Operation Iraq Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and humanitarian missions to South Korea, Uganda, Thailand, Spain, Germany and Hurricane Katrina.

While on active duty, I completed bachelor’s and master’s of science programs, and received my degree from the University of Maryland in Environmental Management.

I am married to my high school sweetheart Michelle (Winfree) Jones (35 years ago) and we have adult three sons, two grandchildren and two chihuahua’s!

Q: Your title with the city is Senior Management Analyst. What does that entail?

A: As a City of Richmond “Senior Management Analyst,” my role is to ensure the Department of Public Works:

  • Analyzes and interprets environmental laws and regulations
  • Monitor and document environmental performance
  • Ensure compliance with environmental legislation and policy
  • Prepare and present detailed reports on environmental investigations and compliance activities
  • Provide advice and guidance to the organization on environmental compliance
  • Implement environmental policies and practices
  • Work closely with internal teams to identify potential environmental impact and preventive measures
  • Assess, analyze and collate environmental performance data and report information to internal staff, clients and regulatory bodies
  • Conduct environmental audits and inspections
  • Develop and implement environmental management systems to boost environmental performance in compliance with all environmental laws and regulations, prepare and present detailed reports on environmental investigations and compliance activities.

Or as I like to sum it up, I ensure that DPW is in compliance with DEQ and EPA policies, regulations and laws!

Q: What do you enjoy most about working in the Department of Public Works?

A: The morale! The City of Richmond truly fosters a welcoming workplace experience full of professionalism and respect for all. DPW leaders have their ear to the ground and consistently sponsor employee team building activities, ensuring that all employees are seen, heard and have access to senior management through their open-door policies. I feel like I’m making a real difference here, and that I’m valued as a team member.

Q: What would you say are the most pressing issues facing Central Virginia when it comes to solid waste?

A: Great question. Space…not up there, but down here! Where will our waste go? Central Virginia has no publicly owned landfills, and nearly waste is disposed of in private facilities. However, permitting and building new landfills can take more than a decade, and local governments may be politically opposed to granting new permits. We currently have two landfills in the region, which have about 20 years of life (i.e., space) left at current rates. Over the last few years, the region has had a steady influx of new residents, which is great, but more citizens also equal more waste. We need to start looking to prolong the life of the landfills by reducing the waste stream via recycling, composting, source reduction and education.

Q: What goals do you have for CVWMA during your term?

A: Ensuring that all of our localities have adequate representation and voice within CVWMA, and to continue to be the regional leader in sustainable waste management practices for our 13 jurisdictions.

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