C J. Hooks

C. Jones Hooks has more than 30 years of experience in managing publicly funded organizations. His bacground includes working extensively in teh public and private sectors, on local, state, national and international levels. After completing undergraduate work at eth University of Georgia in 1975 (where he met his wife, Stephanie), Hooks moved to Washington, DC where he earned his MBA at George Washington University and worked as a legislative aide for Congressman Ronald "Bo" Ginn (D-GA deceased). After completion of his graduate work, Hooks assumed a full time position with Ginn as a Liasion for Intergovernmental Relations, working primarily with local governments throughout Georgia's coastal region. Of particular note, Hooks served as the Department of Defense Coordinator for Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base in Camden County from 1981-1987. Beginning in 1999, Hooks served almost nine years as President/CEO of the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance in Virginia representing 15 jurisdictions. In 2008 Hooks returned to Georgia to become the Executive Director of the Jekyll Island Authority (JIA) on Jekyll Island, Georgia. Today, Hooks serves as the Chief Executive for teh JIA. The Authority is responsible for the natural and cultural stewardship of Jekyll Island, a barrier island off Georgia's coast. The JIA is responsible for providing services, programs, and amenities that maximize benefits to Island visitors and residents. Widely regarded as a leader in his community and profession, Hooks has actively served in a variety of roles, locally through church, civic and professional organizations and at the state level. Whether in a public or private setting, Hooks' personal tenets for leadership excellence include: vision, sensitivity to local and state values, embracing new ideas, crafting collaboratie partnerships, and most importantly, honesty and transparency with accountability. Married for 33 years, Jones and Stephanie Hooks have two married sons and two grandsons.