NEW YORK, NY Skanska USA, one of the world's leading construction and project development firms, announces the promotion of Mel Jones to National Director of Diversity & Inclusion (D&I).  Skanska's D&I efforts focus on recruiting a large and diverse pool of talent, creating an inclusive workplace culture, and developing a diverse pool of talent - both internally and through our partnerships. 

Jones joined Skanska in 2010 as diversity manager for the company's Northwest region where he created and oversaw the award-winning Boost Program, a Mentor Protégé initiative. As National Director of Diversity & Inclusion, Jones will focus on the implementation of Skanska USA's National Diversity & Inclusion strategies and the achievement of the firm's diversity-related targets.

"Mel's commitment to diversity and inclusion has helped us create a more innovative workplace that taps into the many talents of our employees," said Maja Egnell, Vice President of Human Resources, Talent Development and Diversity.

In addition to his role at Skanska, Jones is a past member of the board of directors of Vantage Point, an organization that helps fill the need of Disadvantaged Business Enterprise participation in commerce, and a current community organizer for the Black Citizen's Coalition of Portland Neighborhoods. In 2012, he was selected as one of "America's Top Diversity Champions" by DiversityBusiness.com, a leading multicultural business website.

His professional career includes nearly 20 years of experience in land use and civil design, most recently as owner of Rucker LDC, a land development consulting firm.