Stephen Jones, Mayor
Cell Phone: 662-386-5022
Mayor Stephen Jones is a proud native of Columbus, Mississippi, and a 1987 graduate of Lee High School. He began his career in 1988 at Video USA as a part-time employee. Demonstrating a strong work ethic and leadership skills, he quickly rose through the ranks—first becoming Assistant Manager, then Store Manager of the Starkville location. Under his leadership, the Starkville store became the top-performing location among hundreds nationwide. He was soon tasked with managing both the Columbus and Starkville stores, and later oversaw operations at additional locations in Gulfport and Natchez as District Manager. His success contributed to the opening of a second store in Columbus and helped expand the Video USA brand across the country.
As the retail landscape began to shift, Jones pivoted into real estate and became a licensed agent in 2007. His transition was marked by immediate success—he was named RE/MAX Rookie of the Year in 2009, Golden Triangle Realtor of the Year in 2016, and served as President of the Greater Golden Triangle Board of Realtors in 2019.
Beyond his professional achievements, Mayor Jones has remained deeply committed to community service. He is a 2014 graduate of Leadership Lowndes County, was appointed to the Columbus Municipal School District Board in 2015, and is a 2018 graduate of the Mississippi Black Legislative Institute. In 2023, he became a Certified Municipal Official Professional Development Graduate.
Jones has served as City Councilman for Ward V since 2017, championing fiscal responsibility and advocating for economic growth without increasing taxes. As Mayor, he brings that same commitment to sustainable progress, believing in the power of community and the importance of investing in future generations. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Mayor Jones is driven by a vision to build a brighter future for Columbus and all its children.
He is married to Stephanie Johnson Jones and together they share three children Joel, Diamond, Brandon and granddaughter Amarii.