MANOR, TX, October 20, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Shannon W. Jones III has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Jones has established a distinguished career marked by leadership in public health, higher education and community advocacy. As a board of managers member for the Travis County Hospital District since 2017, he has overseen the management of the hospital in Travis County, Texas, following an appointment by the governing bodies of the City of Austin and Travis County. In this capacity, he is responsible for engaging with community groups to gather input and make recommendations regarding the services they receive. He administers targeted programs that address the needs of communities of color, particularly in eastern Travis County, and works closely with organizations spanning education, civic engagement and religious institutions.

Prior to his current role, Mr. Jones retired in 2017 after serving as director of the Department of Public Health for Travis County and the City of Austin from 2006 to 2017. During his tenure, he was instrumental in developing program services and structures to address significant health disparities affecting people of color, women, LGBTQIA individuals and other marginalized populations. His expertise in public health, epidemiology and demographics enabled him to secure project resources for the city to enhance services for disparate populations. Notably, he successfully advocated before the city council to obtain substantial funding for new programs benefiting these communities.

From 1999 to 2006, Mr. Jones held the positions of deputy director and assistant director at the Department of Public Health for Travis County and the City of Austin. In these roles, he contributed to shaping public health policy and implementing initiatives designed to reduce health inequities across the region.

Before entering the health care sector, Mr. Jones dedicated much of his professional life to education. He served in administration at several Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the United States. At an Atlanta university, he was a professor of public administration, while at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, he worked as an assistant to the president, taught political science courses and was recognized as a Woodrow Wilson Fellow.

Throughout his career, Mr. Jones has demonstrated a deep commitment to mentoring young men of color and others, encouraging them to pursue higher education and successful careers while making positive contributions to their communities. Even as a board member approaching retirement, he continues to mentor individuals in a supportive capacity reminiscent of earlier stages in his career.

Mr. Jones' national impact is highlighted by his service as a member and chair of the Advisory Committee on the Elimination of Tuberculosis at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In this role, he secured significant funding to address tuberculosis disparities among African Americans in southern states and the Northeast. His efforts reflect both local initiatives addressing disparities and national projects through collaboration with various states and communities. In addition, his professional affiliations include membership in the American Association of Healthcare Executives and the National Forum for Black Public Administrators. These associations have provided platforms for advancing best practices in health care administration and public service.

Mr. Jones' academic background has been foundational to his achievements. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta followed by a Master of Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh. He completed coursework toward a Doctorate in Management and Policy with a major in epidemiology and demographics at the University of Texas School of Public Health in Houston. Additionally, he is an associate in the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Civically engaged beyond his professional roles, Mr. Jones is involved with organizations such as the National Forum for Black Public Administrators and supports research charities focused on sickle cell disease awareness nationwide. He has contributed significantly to forums addressing health disparities in Austin, participated with Black Men Health Clinic initiatives and worked on improving access to health care for African Americans and people of color in the Austin area.

The values instilled by his parents, who were active participants in the Civil Rights movement, and his grandfather's leadership during that era have profoundly influenced Mr. Jones' lifelong dedication to community service. He credits these family influences as well as those he has mentored or helped raise for motivating him to invest continually in others.

Mr. Jones' work has garnered numerous accolades, including acknowledgment from a former director at the Centers for Disease Control for addressing community disparities; recognition from the Public Health Accreditations Board for assisting with certification development for public health agencies; Call to Action Winner from the Austin Business Journal for contributions to Alliance for African American Health; and Outstanding Community Service Member from a local chapter of the National Association for Colored People.

Born in Nashville, Mr. Jones enjoys engaging with communities through walking and dancing. He remains committed to advancing health care equity by collaborating with elected officials throughout Travis County, Austin and Houston to improve hospital systems and mobilize individuals toward better access to care.

Mr. Jones' expertise in understanding health disparities, developing responsive program structures and advocating for marginalized populations distinguishes him as a leader whose influence extends across local communities and national platforms alike.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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