CLEVELAND, OH — Gilbane Building Company announces that the Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation (BPACF) has chosen Aaron Jones as a 40 Under 40 Emerging Legend. The award recognizes dynamic, outstanding African American changemakers shifting culture and making notable impacts in Northeast Ohio.

“Aaron’s commitment to his craft and dedication to making the industry a better place truly sets him apart. He focused on serving as a positive role model to high school students through his work for Shaker Heights City School District, mentoring them and demonstrating a path to a rewarding profession,” said Kyle Merrill, Senior Vice President and Cleveland Business Leader at Gilbane. “As Gilbane’s employee resource group (ERG) UJIMA National Chair, Aaron fosters an inclusive culture and opportunities for Gilbane’s Black/African American employees. He is a key member of our Cleveland team, and I am incredibly proud to see him recognized as a BPACF Emerging Legend.”

Jones, a Project Manager in Cleveland, Ohio, has over 12 years of experience in the construction industry and currently serves in a leadership role on a significant headquarters project. He began his career as an intern with Gilbane and joined full-time in 2014 as a Project Engineer on the Cleveland Heights-University Heights High School Renovation project. Jones' continued growth and development resulted in a leadership role in Gilbane’s project engineer peer group. In 2020, Jones was promoted to Project Manager and led projects for clients including Cleveland Public Library, University Hospitals, and The Sherwin-Williams Company.

Jones continues to challenge himself and is working to become a Certified Construction Manager, an accredited certification that illustrates his commitment to excellence in project delivery. He also serves on the Manufacturing Works Workforce Development Committee. Jones holds a Bachelor of Science in construction management from Eastern Michigan University.

“Winning the BPACF 40 Under 40 and earning the designation of an Emerging Legend is an incredible honor and a testament to the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my career,” Jones said. “It signifies recognition from my peers and industry leaders, reaffirming that my efforts have made a meaningful impact. This award motivates me to continue striving for excellence and inspire others on their professional journeys.”

Jones is highly involved with UJIMA, Gilbane’s ERG dedicated to fostering an inclusive culture and supporting professional development, community engagement, and a voice across the enterprise for Black/African American employees and allies. Jones began his work with UJIMA as the National Community Affairs Chair, working with regional leaders to establish events inside and outside the office. During this time, he established the UJIMA mentorship program, the first of its kind for any of Gilbane’s ERGs.

Jones quickly rose to National Vice Chair and currently leads the ERG as the National Chair. In this role, he works with executive leadership, human resources, and the economic inclusion team to develop and execute a national strategy for the year. He leads planning for the annual national conference, bringing all ERG chapter leads together for training, coaching, and volunteering. In addition to being the National Chair, he is passionate about growing the next generation and fosters relationships with mentees, junior staff, and interns.