Getting started
Lin Jones credits his passion for working with North Carolina communities to his introduction to working with local governments at an accounting firm early in his career. In that role, he conducted audits and was responsible for governmental accounting. The experience gave Jones an up•close look at the inner workings of local government. His affinity for local government deepened once he moved into the Durham County Finance Department, where he was responsible for all functions from accounts payable and reporting to payroll and investments. Later, Jones served as finance director for the Town of Garner until retiring from the position. He is a graduate of Appalachian State University, and a Certified Public Accountant.
During his career, Jones has leveraged strong research and reporting skills to help identify and drive solutions to challenges. Jones described one of his most significant career accomplishments: "1t was the successful conversion of two accounting systems, one in Durham County and the other in Garner."
Credit unions and community
Jones believes in the positive impact that Civic can make in the lives of North Carolinians, and stresses the importance of listening to the community to help inform decisions. “We have very personal relationships with our members, and truly want to improve their lives. Our Advisory Council is unique to our credit union – we bring in individuals as a sounding board.”
He first served the credit union in 1991 as a member of the Supervisory Committee. He was elected to the LGFCU Board of Directors in 1996, serving in all of its officer positions, including Chair. In 2018, he saw the opportunities that Civic’s mission would provide North Carolinians and is one of its charter members.
"We have very personal relationships with our members, and truly want to improve their lives."
Future focus
Financial literacy is critical to Jones - a hallmark of his 30-plus years of credit union and community service. One memorable program helped high school students better understand budgeting and basic financial concepts, such as balancing a checking account, before they graduate. "Either people don't have the resources, or they don't manage their resources, such that they end up living paycheck to paycheck."
Looking ahead, Jones believes two of the most important issues facing members that the credit union can help address are affordable housing in partnership with the government, and financial literacy in schools. "There is a lack of financial education. People don't know what to do with their finances. And there are kids who have no idea what it wi11 be like after high school or college."
When it comes to credit union independence and the merger of LGFCU and Civic, Jones believes it will benefit members in many ways including new products, policies and rates. "In the past, there was a sameness to the loan policies and products - if they did it we did it. With independence, we will have the freedom to make decisions that are in the best interest of our credit union, not anyone else."
Current community involvement and designations
- North Carolina Association of CPAs (member)
- American Institute of CPAs (member)
- Credit Union National Administration’s Volunteer Achievement Program (graduate)
- North Carolina Local Government Investment Association (Past president)
- North Carolina Government Finance Officers Association
- Certified Credit Union Board Member (CCUB)