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Carrie Jones
Online Community Strategist & Award-Winning Author
Professional Background
Carrie Melissa Jones is a distinguished community strategist and consultant, widely recognized for her extensive experience in managing online communities since the early 2000s. As a prominent figure in the field of community management, she has successfully trained, advised, and coached leaders of thousands of online communities worldwide. Her passion for fostering inclusive and thriving community environments has made her a trusted advisor and thought leader.
In 2020, Carrie co-authored the book "Building Brand Communities," published by Berrett-Koehler, which serves as an essential guide for brands looking to develop their community strategies, implement effective technology solutions, and envision well-crafted community roadmaps. As the founder of Gather Community Consulting, she leverages her expertise to assist brands in creating new communities and adopting strategic approaches to community engagement.
Carrie’s professional journey culminated in her role as the Founding Partner and COO of CMX Media, the leading community for community builders that offers training programs, events, and resources tailored for those in the community management space. Her foundational roles at recognized companies like Socratic, Scribd, and Chegg have honed her skills and laid the groundwork for her dedication to community-building efforts. Carrie began her community management career as a supermoderator of a music forum over 15 years ago, which sparked her enthusiasm for online communities.
Education and Achievements
Carrie Melissa Jones holds a B.A. with Honors from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), a prestigious institution renowned for its academic rigor and commitment to producing highly skilled graduates. Currently, she is pursuing a Master’s degree at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, further enriching her knowledge and expertise in community strategies.
Throughout her career, Carrie has garnered significant recognition for her contributions to the field of community management. In 2016, she was named by Salesforce as one of three experts to follow in the realm of community management, highlighting her influence and thought leadership. Her writings on community building have appeared in esteemed publications such as Venture Beat, Convince and Convert, The Next Web, First Round Review, and most notably, Creator by WeWork. Additionally, she contributes a monthly column for CMS Wire, sharing her insights and guiding community professionals on best practices.
Beyond her professional ventures, Carrie actively advocates for community professionals worldwide. She firmly believes in the fundamental principles of belonging and empowerment, striving to ensure that everyone feels connected within their communities.
Achievements
Carrie’s career is marked by numerous roles and accomplishments that spotlight her commitment to community development. As a Chief Strategist at Carrie Melissa Jones, LLC, she has provided invaluable consultation services aimed at enhancing community strategy, development, and outreach. Her expertise extends to social psychology, fostering strong community leadership, and coaching community leaders to reach their full potential.
Carrie has also played critical editorial roles. As a Senior Assistant Editor at Cengage Learning, she contributed to shaping educational content, reinforcing her strong foundation in educational publishing. Her early internships at respected names like Seal Press and John Wiley and Sons provided Carrie with rich experiences that paved the way for her future endeavors.
Additionally, Carrie has been a dedicated volunteer for organizations such as Young Women Empowered and Indivisible Washington (formerly known as Pantsuit Washington), demonstrating her commitment to uplift and empower marginalized voices within her community. Carrie’s blend of professional experience, educational background, and volunteer efforts showcase her unwavering dedication to community empowerment and strategic community management.
Carrie Melissa Jones’s journey continues to inspire those in the community management space, as she champions initiatives to build authentic connections and support networks that foster collaboration and growth. As she advances her education and expands her consulting services, there is no doubt that her impact in the field of community strategies will only continue to grow.
