PLATTSBURGH — Billy Jones will be taking on a new role at Clinton Community College following his resignation as assemblymember at the end of this month.
Jones, who has been the assemblyman for the North Country’s 115th District since 2017, has been named vice president for Strategic Initiatives and Workforce Development at CCC.
Jones made the announcement in a joint news conference with acting Clinton Community College President Ken Knelly in front of the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing building Tuesday.
“I think there is an opportunity here,” Jones said about his decision to take on the new position. “I want to be helpful in advancing the mission of Clinton Community College, and certainly this institution that we’re standing in front of has a large, a large part of that.”
IAM FUTURE
In January 2024, Clinton Community College announced it would be moving the institution from its location on Lake Champlain to SUNY Plattsburgh’s campus located in downtown Plattsburgh by the fall of 2025. The move was financially motivated.
The relocation left many wondering what would become of CCC’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing building, a 30,000-square-feet facility built on the campus in 2017 to align with evolving trends in manufacturing and industry.
The facility’s functions included offering customized training for the incumbent workforce and providing “stackable credentials, certificates, and associate degrees as a pathway for a career in advanced manufacturing,” Knelly said.
With the college’s full reaccreditation in November 2024, the finalization of moves to the SUNY Plattsburgh and Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital for its programs, and a reversal of downturns in enrollment, Knelly said the college is well positioned to put the IAM on the path to success that was envisioned for it.
Additionally, Jones will play a big part in the IAM’s success in his new role.
Jones will provide leadership and oversight of workforce and community education programs at the college, including operations of the IAM and programs undertaken by the Center for Community and Workforce Development, which is moving to the facility. The Center for Community and Workforce Development offers a range of programs, including driver education and third-party vendor collaborations.
The college also intends to partner with businesses and others moving forward, including CV-TEC and its array of programs to ensure the facility is operationally active.
“We congratulate Billy Jones on his appointment as a vice president at Clinton Community College and his new role with the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing. Billy has been a consistent advocate for public education, workforce development, and Career and Technical Education across the North Country,” Dr. Mark Davey, Champlain Valley Educational Services BOCES, district superintendent, said in a statement. “His deep knowledge of our communities, strong relationships, and proven leadership will serve Clinton Community College well. At CVES BOCES, we look forward to exploring opportunities for future collaboration in support of student success and regional workforce development.”
Jones will also spearhead the development of a new master plan for the IAM, creating the regional hub for workforce development and education it was designed to become, and lead conversations with businesses and employers as the “relationship builder and convenor that he is,” Knelly said.
“This is a tremendous moment for the college and its future,” Knelly said. “No one is more connected with local organizations and businesses or more passionate about solutions and partnerships that make our region better. The state and the university system are more focused than ever on workforce development. He can help us take advantage of this moment and more solidly place us on the path to financial sustainability and greater service locally.”
North Country Chamber of Commerce President Garry Douglas said this is an “exceptional next mission” for Jones.
“It is crucial that we maximize assets like the IAM in support of our economic present and future and Billy has worked hand in hand with us in support of our area manufacturers, including our growing cluster of transportation equipment companies,” Douglas said. “He has the knowledge and skills to help build new and important connections and collaborations, and we have already agreed to joint outreach to employers about their training needs starting immediately. Clinton Community College has chosen very well, and we genuinely look forward to working actively with Billy in this very important new role. Onward and upward!”
‘OPEN FOR BUSINESS’
Jones announced last week he would be stepping down as assemblyman after nine years in the position. His reasons for the decision included wanting to spend more time with his family and a desire to get away from politics.
He said at the time that he was also offered a new opportunity he was passionate about and “proud to be a part of.”
“I’ve dedicated my entire career to serving the North Country and this new role allows me to continue that work in a very direct and meaningful way, I’m truly excited to join the team here at Clinton Community College and help lead the next chapter for the Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and develop other workforce initiatives,” Jones said Tuesday. “These programs play a vital role in creating opportunities, supporting local employers, and strengthening our communities. I’m honored to take on this position and look forward to building strong partnerships that will drive real results across the region. I want to thank Acting President Knelly and the board of trustees for this amazing opportunity.
“The message is simple,” Jones added, “we are open for business here.”
He said his future strategic plan for the facility includes looking at meeting the needs of business, industry and manufacturing and also providing “sustainable career pathways for individuals looking to get into various career fields.”
UNLOCKING POTENTIAL
“We are unlocking the full potential of the IAM through visionary guidance and an unwavering commitment to innovation from our CCC leadership team,” CCC Chairperson for the Board of Trustees, Devi Momot, said. “A purpose-built facility, this will serve as a regional catalyst for programs that empower learners of all ages — whether full-time, part-time, or in certificate pathways — to drive economic prosperity throughout our community. We are so excited to welcome Billy Jones, who will be leading this new chapter. We extend our deepest gratitude to Clinton County, whose continued sponsorship, trust, and support make this shared vision a reality.”
Clinton County Legislature Chairman Mark Henry said Jones’ experience in the North Country will be helpful in his efforts to lead the IAM.
“Clinton County has long recognized the importance of a strong and responsive community college system, and we are proud to support this next chapter in the evolution of the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing,” Henry said. “With Assemblyman Jones at the helm, we’re confident the IAM will fulfill its original promise as a driver of workforce development and economic opportunity across our region. His deep North Country roots and proven leadership make him the right person to move this vision forward, and we look forward to the continued partnership with the college to ensure this facility thrives.”