The Board of Directors of Caracole is pleased to announce the selection of Jeniece D. Jones, MPA, JD, as its next CEO, following a national search conducted by Benefactor Group. A committed leader with deep experience in social justice organizations, Jones is perfectly positioned to champion Caracole’s mission of changing lives in the fight against HIV/AIDS through prevention, housing and care.
“We are delighted to welcome Jeniece Jones as CEO of Caracole,” said Mark Haggard, President of the Board. “She is an innovative, proven, values-driven leader whose depth of experience and vision will lead our organization into its next chapter positively impacting the lives of people living with and at risk for HIV/AIDS in the Greater Cincinnati Region.”
Jones joins Caracole after serving as the Executive Director of the Public Justice Center (PJC) in Baltimore, MD. There, she led a team of over 30 legal professionals and oversaw the expansion of the use of legal impact tools to advance economic justice and race equity. Her advocacy focused on reforms promoting housing as a human right, health equity, workplace justice, and the right to legal counsel, as well as efforts to address the school-to-prison pipeline.
Prior to joining the Public Justice Center, Jones served as Executive Director of Housing Opportunities Made Equal in Cincinnati, OH, and Community Shares of Greater Cincinnati. Jones is a graduate of West Virginia University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, and of Northern Kentucky University, where she earned a Master of Public Administration and Juris Doctor. Jones has served on the board of Cincinnati Affordable Housing Advocates and the Human Services Chamber of Hamilton County, and on the Steering Committee for Housing Our Future, the Greater Cincinnati Comprehensive Housing Plan.
Jones brings over two decades of executive leadership experience in social-justice organizations, deep experience in the issues of affordable housing and homelessness prevention, and a commitment to Caracole’s values of unconditional inclusivity, relentless advocacy, practical innovation, absolute accountability, and radical optimism.
“I’m excited to join Caracole at this important moment,” said Jones. “My focus will be on building strong partnerships, advancing advocacy, and expanding prevention efforts to promote health equity. Together with the community, we’ll ensure that people living with or at risk for HIV receive the care, housing and support they need to thrive.”
As the organization’s chief executive, Jones will oversee Caracole’s operations and play a critical role in steering its strategic direction; she will be vital to fundraising, advocacy, community collaboration, program management, and stakeholder relations. Under Jones’ guidance, the organization will continue to grow and thrive as a relentless force for health equity in the Greater Cincinnati Area.
Jones succeeds Linda Seiter, who served in the role for over twenty years and retired from the position on October 4, 2024. Jones will assume the role on December 4, 2024.