Russ Jones, Chairman

Russ Jones was born in San Diego, California. He graduated from Calexico Union High School and went on to study Business Administration at San Diego State University. He also studied economic development at the University of Arizona. Russ is bilingual in Spanish and English.

Russ has been married for over 43 years to his wife, Janet. They are the parents of two children and have four grandchildren. He and his wife have lived in Yuma, Arizona since 1974.

From 1970-1972, Russ served in the U.S. Army, 63rd TOPO Corps, 82nd Airborne Division (Top Secret Clearance, Sp 6). He is currently serving as a Major in the Civil Air Patrol. He is a pilot in the 508th Squadron based in Yuma, Arizona.

As an Arizona State Representative for District 24, Russ Jones is the Chair of the Agriculture and Water Committee, a member of the Appropriations Committee and a member of the Joint Legislative Budget Committee. Russ is also on the Council of State Governments, Executive Committee, West.

Russ has been a successful small businessman for many years. He is currently the President/CEO of R.L. Jones Management Group. He is a licensed Insurance Broker and Notary for the State of Arizona. He also has a National Customs Brokers License with a Customs Import Specialists (CIS) designation.

Russ’s professional activities include Board of Directors and Executive Committee for the Border Philanthropy Partnership, Board of Directors for the Agro-Industries Committee as part of the Arizona/Mexico Commission, Treasurer for the Executive Committee, and Board of Directors for the Border Trade Alliance.

Russ is affiliated with the National Customhouse Brokers Freight Forwarders Association, the Southwest Arizona Port Users Association, and the San Diego Customs Brokers Association.

Russ’s civic activities include Board Member for the Yuma Community Foundation, a member of the Caballeros de Yuma, District Advisory Committee for the Boy Scouts of America, Arts Commission in San Luis, Arizona, Charter President for the San Luis ‘Frontera’ Rotary Club, and Treasurer for the San Luis, AZ Industrial Park, L.L.C.

Besides serving as a State Representative, Russ enjoys reading, camping, hunting, flying, scuba diving, classical music, history, and sharing his life experiences with his grandchildren.