March 10, 2020

CEI Regional President Mark Jones is the Southern Christian Leadership Conference’s (SCLC) Corporate Leader of the Year – continuing the company’s longstanding tradition with the prestigious honor.

SCLC’s Cleveland Chapter presented Mark with the award at its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. scholarship dinner and gala, held at Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church in Cleveland.

The organization has a rich history with unique ties to Cleveland. Not only did Dr. King found the SCLC, but he also visited Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church on several occasions and formed a close friendship with the church’s pastor – Reverend E. Theophilus Caviness – who still leads the parish.

Every year, the SCLC selects an award recipient who they feel embodies the true spirit of Dr. King’s leadership. Mark was chosen based on these attributes, coupled with his efforts to help educate local Cleveland youth and adults in the areas of personal responsibility, leadership potential and service to the community.

FirstEnergy President and CEO Chuck Jones and Ohio Operations President John Skory received the same recognition when they previously served as CEI’s top executive, making the honor extra meaningful to Mark.

“To be included in this group with Chuck and John, and to represent FirstEnergy and CEI in this forum is truly humbling,” said Mark.

He is quick to give credit to his fellow CEI coworkers and collaborators – Mike Armour Sr. and LaJeana Dickson Gilliam, expressing: “This award is really theirs. On a daily basis, they do all the hard lifting it takes to truly make a difference,” Mark said. “Mike and LaJeana have helped grow our community connections into thriving partnerships. With great enthusiasm for helping others, they’ve spread our company’s mission of making our communities stronger.”

(L.-r.) Rev. Hilton Smith, Rev. E.T. Caviness, Mike Armour and LaJeana Dickson Gilliam, with Mark (center), at the SCLC event.