Atlanta business leader becomes first Black chair of United Negro College Fund

For the first time ever, an African American will chair the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Board of Directors.

Earlier this month, Atlanta business and civic leader Milton H. Jones Jr. was elected to the post, making him the first African American to assume the role at the philanthropic organization, which was founded in 1944, the group confirmed.

Jones — a founding member of Peachtree Providence Partners Holding Company, LLC, who has been a member of the board for almost two decades — previously served as vice chairman of the board, as well chairman of the finance committee.

“Since 1944, UNCF has played an integral role in changing the life trajectory for each student it has served, and l look forward to continuing that legacy,” Jones said in a statement.

“Our member institutions and students remain the focus of our collective efforts. As we progress each year, we will grow our organization by building upon the strong foundation laid at UNCF’s inception and strengthened throughout its history,” he continued. 

Jones will succeed William Stasior Sr., CEO of Booz Allen Hamilton. Stasior previously held the role for 11 years. Past chairs include John D. Rockefeller III; Michael H. Jordan, who served as CEO of PepsiCo’s International Food and Beverage Division; and Jack Stahl, the former president and CEO of Revlon.

UNCF President and CEO Michael Lomax said in a statement that the organization is “excited to have Milton become our new Board Chair.”

“Milton brings a wealth of business knowledge and a thoughtful and collaborative leadership approach that will help us thrive and continue to drive UNCF’s and our HBUCs’ impact and growth,” Lomax, who has worked with Jones for years, said.

According to the organization’s website, UNCF is the largest private provider of scholarships and educational support to African American students in the country. In the past 17 years under Lomax’s leadership, the group said it has raised over $3 billion “and helped more than 110,000 students earn college degrees and launch careers.”

“Annually, UNCF’s work enables 60,000 students to go to college with UNCF scholarships and attend its 37 member Historically Black College and Universities,” the group also stated.