Chris Jones filled the position of vice president chief of staff, officially beginning Nov. 16. He will continue to operate in his pre-existing role as vice president and chief information officer.
The change came after Will Hagen, former vice president for strategy and chief of staff, resigned.
“Through a rigorous process, Chris emerged as the best candidate (for the position),” President Michael Lindsay said. “He brings a wealth of experience in executive operations, an uncanny ability to get things done, a great commitment to the mission of the university, and deep experience in higher education and in navigating the complexity of running a large enterprise.”
The university was seeking someone who could balance multiple priorities and commitments while maintaining the Christ-centered, student-focused mission of the institution. A selection committee chose Jones unanimously for this role, Lindsay said.
Jones will continue to maintain his responsibilities with the Information Technology (IT) department as well as with emergency services at the university.
Hagen’s original job responsibilities was restructured so that various duties have been reallocated. Stephen Olson, vice president for finance and chief financial officer, will be charged with overseeing cabinet level leadership for facilities and Provost Jewerl Maxwell will take on cabinet level responsibilities for Institutional Research, Lindsay said.
Jones’ responsibilities as chief of staff will include various key components.
He will provide executive operational leadership in facilitating the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and the President’s Cabinet. The chief of staff assists in facilitating such meetings, ensures Taylor’s strategic plan progresses and coordinates various work of the leadership groups on campus.
As the university’s board professional, Jones’ newly expanded role will also support the work of the Board of Trustees through meeting facilitation, communication, coordination and organization. Jones will also be involved in staffing the Board’s Executive Committee and the Board’s Committee on Trustees.
Additionally, the chief of staff leads day-to-day activities and works with larger projects within the university president’s office, Lindsay said.
Alongside these responsibilities, Jones will now work with People Operations and operate as a legal point person in various matters, Jones said.
“(After) working in emergency services for so long, in my background, you learn how to triage really well,” Jones said.
Jones worked with Hagen for nearly a decade, having worked together at Gordon College before shifting to Taylor, Jones said.
Jones graduated from Gordon College in 1999 with his bachelor’s degree in computer science. After a beginning as a computer repairman, Jones’ career eventually evolved into an IT leadership role at Gordon. He also participated in leadership roles in his church, was a firefighter and EMT and has experience as a certified police officer.
“I feel like all these varied things is how the Lord has helped prepare me for this new role,” Jones said. “A university is like a little city.”
The university is also rehiring the aide to the president. Additionally, Noah Ross will be stepping into the role as deputy chief of staff, Lindsay said.
Ross said that his responsibilities will include facilitating various presidential communications, serving as the primary liaison between the President’s Office and campus guests and overseeing the Presidential Fellows Program.
Jones and Lindsay said the university is also in the process of searching for someone to provide support in the IT Department — specifics have yet to be determined.
“I always relish a new challenge, so this will definitely be a new challenge,” Jones said. “I look forward to working even closer with a great group of people in the president’s office and in (People Operations) while getting to maintain working closely with my existing team. (I also) am greatly looking forward to working even closer with President Lindsay.”
