Acuity Spotlight: Major General Reuben Jones, U.S. Army, Retired, Vice President of Client Engagement at Acuity International

The Acuity Spotlight is our way of highlighting some of the incredibly talented individuals that we’re lucky enough to have on our team. At Acuity, we value diversity and inclusion and focus our attention on bringing candidates who have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences onboard. Our mission is to build enduring relationships that provide secure, stable, and long-term predictable outcomes, and we are grateful for the men and women of Acuity who embody our corporate values in everything they do.

Tell us a little about your professional background.

Over the past 25 years, I moved up the ranks of the U.S. Army from a company-grade leader to a two-star general officer and commander of a global organization serving all armed forces. In my role as Commander of Family and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Command (FMWRC), I was responsible for the daily oversight of a $3.2 billion global program: primarily the $1.7 billion Army Family Programs and $1.3 billion Army Banking Investment and Retirement Fund.

Following my military career, I joined Strategic Resources, Inc., one of the nation’s leading management, logistics, telecommunications, and information technology consulting firms as Vice President of Strategy and Government Relations.  I then served as Executive Director for Kentucky Workers’ Compensation Funding Commission, developing new strategies to invest and manage $650 million in funds collected from the Special and Coal Workers Pneumoconiosis Funds.

I received my Bachelor of Arts from Jackson State University and a master’s degree from Central Michigan University and U.S. Army War College.

What does your job at Acuity International entail?

I am responsible for leading strategic client engagement and driving transformational growth across all three of Acuity’s business practices: Advanced Medical Solutions, Engineering & Technology Solutions, and Global Missions Solutions.

As a former military member, how did your experience help pave the way for your successful career at Acuity?

That is a great question and very easy to answer; as a soldier, I think the first is the wide range of opportunities that mirror the Acuity capability offerings.  All are performed daily in the Installation Management Command’s portfolio and other military organizations.  In addition, managing crises around the globe for the Army made Acuity a perfect match.  We perform many of these services here at Acuity, and we have great performance in running bases, hospitals, and programs that support military members and their families.  That is what attracted me to Acuity.

Who are some of the most influential people in your personal and/or professional life?

My personal mentors have not only shaped my life but the lives and careers of so many who serve our country.  Honorable Lloyd Austin, our country’s current Secretary of Defense, never misses an opportunity to attend engagements, mentor his peers, or share his experiences.  Vince Brook, Dennis Via, Johnnie Wilson, Peet Proctor, Darryl Roland, and Al Thomas are also great African American mentors of mine who have always led by example and helped shape me into who I am today.  These influential individuals are cut from the same strong mentor base and for that, I am thankful to recognize them during Black History Month.

What are you passionate about?

This year’s Black History Month theme is African American health and wellness. It is a trying issue for the African American community, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. I share the same passion as my mentors, who have dedicated their lives to the health and wellness of our soldiers, their families, and civilians by providing support and programs that make their stressors less of a burden.  I am particularly passionate about new parent support, special needs, wounded warrior, and other programs that enhance readiness.

How can we help shed light on the importance and meaning of Black History Month?

Black Americans have left an indelible mark on history and our society. I like to celebrate Black History Month by highlighting the contributions of our military and noting those who are actively leading the way for change and equality. Black history is an integral part of American history and the Army’s history, and I hope that others continue to observe its importance.

Employee Spotlight

Major General Reuben Jones, U.S. Army, Retired, is Acuity’s Vice President, Client Engagement.