adonis “aj” jones
Spotlight on Adonis “AJ” Jones: A Leader in Tech & Team Building
With over 25 years of experience in IT operations and global project management, military veteran Adonis “AJ” Jones is a trailblazer in building secure, high-performing technology infrastructures. Known for his transformative leadership and commitment to teamwork, AJ bridges military precision with civilian innovation. Off the clock, he’s a proud father, cheering on his kids at wrestling and track meets with the same passion he brings to his career.
Get to know Adonis:
Tell us about your current role or business. What do you do, and what impact are you hoping to make?
As the Senior Director of IT, I am responsible for overseeing and managing the information technology (IT) department. My role involves setting the strategic direction for IT infrastructure, systems, and technology investments to support the organization's overall business goals. I also serve as both a strategic leader and a tactical manager, responsible for ensuring that technology supports the organization’s success while managing the day-to-day operations. The impact I am looking to make is to streamline our workflows as much as possbile while protecting our data.
How did you get started in your career or business? Was there a defining moment that inspired you to pursue this path? I started working in the IT field while enlisted in the military. When the recruiter approached me about the military, I had no clue what I wanted to do. The recruiter made the recommendation that I go into IT so that I can use that skillset for the future.
What’s one project, initiative, or accomplishment in your career that you’re most proud of? I don’t think there is one specific project that stands out as the one I am most proud of, because the value I place on accomplishments is often broader and more personal. If I had to pinpoint something that truly fills me with pride, it would be my retirement from the military after 23 years of dedicated service.
What do you love most about the work you do, and what keeps you motivated to keep going? What I love most about my job is witnessing the tangible results that come from the hard work my team puts into various projects. There's a deep sense of satisfaction in seeing the improvements we make in technology and systems directly impact the workflow of the business. The efficiency gains, streamlined processes, and simplified tasks are incredibly rewarding, both for my team and for the organization as a whole.
If someone wanted to follow a similar career path, what advice would you give them? IT is an exciting and rewarding field with endless opportunities. By focusing on building strong foundational knowledge, staying adaptable, and continuously learning, you can build a successful and fulfilling career. And, importantly, enjoy the process of problem-solving and helping organizations leverage technology to achieve their goals.
What’s one skill or quality that you believe has been essential to your professional success? In IT, adapting to new technologies, business needs, and challenges is key to career growth. Being open to learning, evolving with trends, and taking on new tasks leads to more advancement opportunities. Adaptability keeps your skills current and makes you a leader who can handle the complexities of the industry.
Based on your experience living in The Treasure Valley, what does the First Fridays Boise mission of “Connection, Community, and Culture” mean to you? Being able to connect and share with other professionals of color is incredibly important to me, both personally and professionally. In many industries, including IT, there can sometimes be a sense of isolation, especially when there are fewer people who share similar backgrounds and experiences. Connecting with other professionals of color creates a sense of community, where we can share challenges, celebrate successes, and offer support to one another. It’s a space where I can find a sense of belonging, knowing that the people around me understand the unique dynamics of navigating a predominantly white or underrepresented field. This connection is not just about camaraderie, but also about the incredible opportunity to learn from a diverse range of voices, from both younger and older leaders in the community. Younger professionals bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and the latest trends in technology, while more seasoned leaders offer wisdom, guidance, and insights gained from years of experience. The blend of perspectives is invaluable—it’s a continuous exchange that allows me to stay grounded in my own career while also expanding my horizons.
The practice of "networking" can be overwhelming or intimidating. What advice do you have for someone who is looking to network in the community? My advice for someone looking to network in the community is simple, but incredibly important: DON’T BE AFRAID! Many people, especially those who are just starting out or are new to a community, often feel a sense of hesitation or fear when it comes to networking. It's completely natural to feel this way, but it’s also essential to recognize that networking is a key component of both personal and professional growth.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be? If I could speak to my younger self, there are two key pieces of advice I would give: First, pave your own path and don’t settle for the norm. Settling for the status quo held me back in my military career for about five years, and I learned that sticking to the conventional route can limit growth and opportunities. Second, don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is inevitable, and what truly matters is how you respond to it. Growing up, I placed a lot of pressure on myself to avoid failure at all costs, but this mindset only added unnecessary stress. Failure will happen—what’s important is to embrace it, learn from it, and use those lessons to fuel future success.
What is one of your favorite things to do in Idaho? I like to camp in the summer, hit the lake in Donnelly. In the Fall and Winter time, I like watching my beloved Georgia Bulldogs. Go Dawgs!!!
What book, podcast, or movie has had the most impact on your personal growth, and why? The speech that has significantly impacted my personal growth is "Man in the Arena" by Theodore Roosevelt. It teaches the importance of perseverance and highlights the value of effort, resilience, and personal accountability when facing challenges, particularly in pursuit of meaningful goals. This passage is often referenced as a call to embrace difficulties, remain committed, and not be deterred by criticism or the fear of failure. It serves as a powerful reminder that true success doesn’t come from avoiding mistakes, but from having the courage to continue moving forward, regardless of the outcome.
What does success look like for you? For me, success is deeply tied to seeing the tangible outcomes of the hard work I put in, whether in my personal life or in my professional career. It's about more than just achieving goals; it's about recognizing the effort, dedication, and time invested, and how that effort translates into meaningful results.
What brings you joy? Taking care of my family brings me great joy, and by family, I don’t just mean my biological relatives, but also my close friends whom I consider family.
