About Carlton

Carlton D. Jones is a seasoned business leader with decades of experience driving organizational growth, operational excellence, and strategic advancement. With a passion for producing positive results, Carlton is known for his ability to move organizations to the next level, bringing vision, structure, and execution together to achieve sustainable success.

Professional Leadership

Carlton is the owner of The Hannah Jones Group (THJG), where he led the company for over 30 years, positioning it as a results-driven organization focused on growth, performance, and long-term impact. His leadership reflects a commitment to advancing businesses into strong, productive positions while cultivating opportunities for expansion and innovation.

He currently serves as Chief Executive Navigator (C.E.N.) of CarNav Group, where he provides strategic leadership and guidance to help organizations navigate growth, operations, and long-term success.

Throughout his career, Carlton has held key executive roles, including Chief Operating Officer at MEP Engineers, LLC., where he oversaw business operations, contract management, and client relationships. He also served as Chief Operating Officer for The Hannah Jones Group, where he led the company for over 30 years, positioning it as a results-driven organization focused on growth, performance, and long-term impact. Earlier in his career, Carlton served as an Executive Officer with Hannah & Associates Inc., where he managed corporate operations and played a central role in strategic planning and vision development.

His leadership reflects a commitment to advancing businesses into strong, productive positions while cultivating opportunities for expansion and innovation.

Public Service & Community Impact

Carlton’s leadership extends into public service and community impact. He currently serves as Director of the Talent Development Coalition (TDC), where he leads workforce development efforts that connect individuals to career opportunities. In this role, he works with community partners, employers, and training providers to strengthen talent pipelines, expand access to job training, and support pathways to economic mobility.

He also previously served as Housing Commission Director for the City of Pontiac, Michigan, where he oversaw public housing properties, including construction and renovation initiatives, ensuring safe and sustainable housing for residents.

Education

Carlton holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Alabama State University. He also completed professional studies in business at Harvard Business School, further strengthening his executive leadership and strategic management expertise.

Role with Hand Up Resource Center

As Workforce Development Strategic Partner with Hand Up Resource Center, Inc., Carlton brings his extensive experience in business leadership, workforce strategy, and organizational development to support program expansion and impact. He plays a critical role in strengthening workforce pathways, building strategic partnerships, and aligning training opportunities with real-world employment outcomes.

Vision & Impact

Carlton is driven by a belief that there is always room at the top and that success is built through intentional leadership, strong partnerships, and a commitment to excellence. His work with Hand Up Resource Center reflects his dedication to empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and creating pathways to economic mobility and long-term success.