How does a Naval Academy graduate go from the Marine Corps to leading a large city? Mayor Phillip Jones of Newport News shares his remarkable journey on this episode of Academy Insider. From his rigorous training at the Naval Academy to his service as a Marine Corps officer, Mayor Jones reveals the foundational experiences that crafted his leadership skills, including the pivotal mentors within his military service. Discover how these early influences continue to shape his approach to leading a vibrant city of nearly 200,000 people.

Mayor Jones recounts the challenges and triumphs of his military career, offering vivid anecdotes from his time with the 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, and his role as an instructor at The Basic School. He highlights how his deployments and the trust he earned from his Marines have profoundly impacted his leadership style today. His stories emphasize resilience, responsibility, and the unwavering ethos of the Marine Corps, providing valuable lessons for anyone aspiring to lead both in the military and civilian spheres.

Transitioning from military service to city politics wasn't easy, but Mayor Jones's commitment to community service and tenacity led him to a triumphant mayoral campaign. The support from the Naval Academy's network played a significant role, offering mentorship and practical advice. Tune in to hear Mayor Jones’s inspiring vision for Newport News and how the core values instilled in him continue to guide his journey. And don’t miss our spirited "Go Navy, Beat Army" cheer as we wrap up this insightful episode with heartfelt thanks to our listeners and special gratitude to Mayor Phillip Jones for his invaluable contributions.

The mission of Academy Insider is to guide, serve, and support Midshipmen, future Midshipmen, and their families.

Grant Vermeer your host is the person who started it all. He is the founder of Academy Insider and the host of The Academy Insider podcast and the USNA Property Network Podcast. He was a recruited athlete which brought him to Annapolis where he was a four year member of the varsity basketball team. He was a cyber operations major and commissioned into the Cryptologic Warfare Community. He was stationed at Fort Meade and supported the Subsurface Direct Support mission.

He separated from the Navy in 2023 and now owns The Vermeer Group, a boutique residential real estate company that specializes in serving the United States Naval Academy community PCSing to California & Texas.

We are here to be your guide through the USNA experience.

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