Welcome M. DeVone Jones, the New CMP Certification Manager

M. DeVone Jones joined the CIC in October 2013 as the Certification Manager of the CMP Program. He brings more than two decades of certification and credentialing experience across diverse professions that include community planning, multifamily housing and diagnostic medical sonography. M. DeVone's experience encompasses a range of areas, such as test development and systems innovation, component relations, continuing education, quality assurance, event planning and volunteer training.

You have an extensive background in the certification field. How do you see those experiences helping you at CIC?

Certification has been a constant throughout my professional life. Although I have worked across diverse professions, the general process of developing an examination based on the knowledge, skills and abilities in a profession has remained present. What has changed is the introduction of greater management and production efficiencies, such as innovative technology for item writing, SME (subject matter expert) training, creating enhanced item types, test delivery and marketing. I believe that my experiences in these areas will benefit CIC as it expands its strategic scope.

What will be your main focus over the course of your first year with CIC?

From a practical perspective, I will spend time acquainting myself with the organizational culture, systems and the CMP community. I will also work on continuing education, systems innovation and marketing strategies.

What’s a typical day for you like?

CIC is a high touch organization and every day involves communicating with those in the process of applying to take the CMP exams or recertifying. Providing excellent internal and external customer service are key components to keeping things running smoothly.

You listed event planning as part of your experience. How would you tie that experience to your current position with CIC?

My prior experience gives me a good grasp of what it takes to plan events from the perspective of organizational staff. In that capacity, I worked with staff and volunteers on everything from planning meeting agendas, choosing the meeting venue and contract negotiations, to serving as the meeting recording secretary and assembling and staffing the exhibit hall booth. Working at CIC gives me up close and personal access to the requirements, which dedicated meeting professionals must meet to attain the CMP designation with my prior experience lending insightful context.

Share with us something about yourself we wouldn't be able to guess by looking at you.

I was a dancer and instructor (disco and ballroom) back in the day. LOL!

The Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) is a
program of the Convention Industry Council

Convention Industry Council
700 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 510
Alexandria, VA, USA, 22314
Tel: 571-527-3116