Daphne E. Jones

Daphne E. Jones is a distinguished executive with over three decades of experience in leveraging digital technologies within multinational corporations like IBM, Johnson & Johnson, Hospira (now Pfizer), and General Electric. At GE, Jones held several senior roles, such as Senior Vice President (SVP) for Future of Work, SVP and Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Product Engineering, Imaging, and Ultrasound, and Senior Executive & CIO for Global Services—a $13B segment within GE Healthcare.

Before her time at GE Healthcare, she began her career at IBM and Johnson & Johnson as an IT Executive and later served as a Corporate Officer, SVP & CIO at Hospira, Inc., where she was the first woman and African American to report directly to the Chairman of the Board and CEO, overseeing all aspects of the company's enterprise, digital, and analytics technology. Her leadership at Hospira marked her as the highest-ranking African American woman in GE IT and a pioneer in digital transformation, focusing on corporate strategies that significantly advanced business models, distribution channels, and products.

Jones currently serves on the board of directors for AMN Healthcare, Inc., Barnes Group Inc., and Masonite International Corp. She also founded The Board Curators, a platform aimed at preparing diverse senior leaders for corporate board roles, and Destiny Transformation Group, which focuses on coaching for career development. Recognized for her leadership and influence, Jones has received several accolades including the ICABA Caribbean Achiever Award, the University of West Indies’ Luminary Award, and was named one of Illinois’ Most Powerful and Influential Women by the National Diversity Council. Her recent induction into Computerworld’s “Premier 100” and recognition as one of the “Most Influential African American Directors” in 2021 by Savoy Magazine further underscore her impact in the field.

Jones continues to share her expertise on digital transformation strategies, cyber security readiness, and the importance of truth in corporate governance. She has contributed to recent discussions on market trends in technology and corporate boardroom evolutions, and has shared her insights in media including a podcast titled "How to Shatter the Glass Ceiling." A new author, Jones penned "Win When They Say You Won't," encapsulating her journey and professional insights.

Jones holds both an MBA and BS from Illinois State University. Her story is one of triumph over adversity, rising from poverty to become a formidable force in the corporate world, driving innovation and business transformation across major industries. As a corporate adviser, mentor, and speaker, she continues to inspire and guide future generations of leaders.