Dawn M. Jones was sworn in as City Clerk on August 15, 2019. She is a community activist and is recognized for her contribution to the South Bend Community for the past 25 years serving in various capacities, including working 7 years for United States Congressman, Tim Roemer.
As Executive Director of the YMCA Urban Youth Services, she has been an advocate for underprivileged students and has developed programming which introduced students to the building industry as well as post-secondary education. The graduation rate of students participating in her programs has been recognized as 99% successful. Her efforts also included a partnership between Manchester College, the Urban League of St. Joseph County, the Urban League of Fort Wayne and LaCasa de Amistad in South Bend. This partnership allowed the preparation of middle school students to receive scholarships to attend Manchester College.
Advocating for public education is her passion. She served as a school board trustee for South Bend Community School Corporation for nearly 5 terms, totaling 19 years. In that capacity, she served as board president for two years, vice-president for two years and secretary for three years. As a school board trustee, she assisted with the development of a “virtual” career academy which provided avenues for students to obtain their Certified Nursing Assistant license, Chef’s certification, barber and beautician license, welding certification as well as dual credits fostering partnerships with local colleges such as Ivy Tech, University of Notre Dame and Indiana University South Bend. In addition, she has been a supporter of the Magnet Academies which have a proven success record since their inception in 2001.
Her vision for the office of City Clerk is instilling transparency, advocating for updated technology through live broadcasting via WNIT, and having dedicated Social Media Channels of City Council meetings. Her vision for the office also includes updating the distribution of the document repository that allows for user friendly technology to find ordinances and resolutions for passed legislation by year. Another initiative she plans to bring forward is the expansion of the Amnesty Program to benefit South Bend Residents as well as increase revenue through the City Ordinance Violations Bureau.
Dawn and her husband have a blended family of 8 children and have been married for 20 years. She is home grown, completing both her BA and Master’s in Public Administration at Indiana University of South Bend. Her children serve the community as well through teaching, nursing, military and strong work ethics.