fbpx

Celebrating Jennifer Jones and Baltimore Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business 2024

Wednesday, August 7, 2024

The Baltimore Business Journal‘s Women Who Mean Business 2024 awards spotlight remarkable women making significant impacts in their fields and communities. Among this year’s honorees is our very own CEO, Jennifer Jones, who was recognized for her exceptional leadership and contributions to the Howard County Economic Development Authority.

Women Who Mean Business 2024

These prestigious awards celebrate women chosen by the Baltimore Business Journal staff, who are assets to their companies, nonprofits, industries and communities. This year’s honorees shared their journeys, offering insights and advice for advancing or reinvigorating careers. Their candid reflections on past mistakes, encouragement of the next generation and personal joys provided a rich tapestry of wisdom and inspiration.

Special Lifetime Achievement Award

Mary Kane, CEO of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, received a special Lifetime Achievement Award for her many accomplishments over the years. Her recognition underscores the enduring influence and legacy of women leaders in our region.

Insights from the Honorees

The honorees’ responses to what propelled them to their current success varied widely. Some highlighted the importance of mentorship and encouragement, while others spoke of resilience and learning from failures. This diverse array of perspectives provides valuable guidance for anyone looking to advance in their careers.

The Awards Ceremony and Panel Discussion

The 2024 awards were presented at the Hotel at Arundel Preserve. The ceremony was preceded by a panel discussion themed “Be Bold,” featuring Aileen Eskildsen, CEO of Ellin & Tucker; Gina Baker Chambers, President of MCB Real Estate; Shelley Lombardo, President of Evergreen Advisors LLC; Kimberly N. Prescott, Founder of Prescott HR; and Kristi Smith, President of the Maryland Region of Howard Hughes Corp. These leaders shared insights into their successes, challenges and aspirations, offering a wealth of knowledge to attendees.

Spotlight on Jennifer Jones

Jennifer Jones, CEO of Howard County Economic Development Authority, exemplifies the qualities celebrated by the Women Who Mean Business awards. Her career began at Ernst & Young LLP in the financial advisory services and corporate finance practice in Los Angeles. Here, she honed foundational skills in mergers and acquisitions for middle-market companies. This fast-paced environment taught her the importance of adaptability, attention to detail and strategic thinking in high-stakes business scenarios.

Jones is not only a leader in her field but also a passionate traveler, choosing new destinations each year during the winter. While she doesn’t have a single favorite vacation spot, she loves locations by the water where she can relax. This love for travel provides her with a balanced escape from her demanding professional life.

Personal Insights from Jennifer Jones

Reflecting on her career, Jones advises her younger self to spend more time enjoying the present rather than always seeking the next achievement. She emphasizes that being present and savoring each moment can lead to greater fulfillment and a more balanced approach to success.

A personal quality that has been instrumental in her career is the ability to leverage skills from past experiences. Each role and challenge provide unique insights that can be applied to future endeavors, enabling her to adapt quickly to new situations and consistently achieve her goals.

Collective Strength and Influence

The Baltimore Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business 2024 awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also highlight the collective strength and influence of women leaders. Jennifer Jones’ recognition among these outstanding women underscores her contributions to the Howard County Economic Development Authority and her broader impact on the community.

As we celebrate Jennifer Jones and her fellow honorees, we are reminded of the power of resilience, mentorship and the importance of enjoying the journey. These women inspire us to be bold, strive for excellence and support the next generation of leaders.

Executive Insights- HCEDA

Upcoming Events

More Events