Dr. Erick C. Jones is a distinguished engineer, researcher, and global thought leader in supply chain resilience and advanced manufacturing. With a career spanning academia, government, and industry, he has dedicated his life to solving some of the world's most pressing logistical and technological challenges. As a National Academies Jefferson Science Fellow, Dr. Jones served in Washington, D.C., advising on critical national security and supply chain issues during the COVID-19 pandemic.
His work contributed to landmark policies, including the CHIPS Act and the White House National Strategy for Advanced Manufacturing, which focused on reshoring critical industries and fostering economic resilience. In academia, Dr. Jones is a pioneering researcher and educator, directing the RFID and Auto-ID Deployment Labs. His cutting-edge work integrates technologies like AI, blockchain, and robotics into real-world supply chain systems. His expertise has shaped public-private partnerships and advanced workforce development programs aimed at bridging the skills gap in reshoring-critical industries like semiconductors and clean energy. Dr. Jones has also led in the private sector, managing global logistics and engineering teams at organizations such as UPS and NASA. His leadership has consistently balanced cost efficiency with innovation, offering a unique perspective on how businesses and governments can prepare for a more uncertain world.
During the pandemic, Dr. Jones was not only an expert tackling national challenges but also a father supporting his daughters, both students at Howard University. These personal experiences inspired ReShore: Building Trusted Systems for a Resilient Future, which blends professional insights with a deeply human perspective on resilience, trust, and equity in supply chains. An accomplished author and sought-after speaker, Dr. Jones continues to drive research and policy innovation at the intersection of technology, strategy, and sustainability. Through his work, he is shaping the future of global supply chains, ensuring they are not only efficient but also resilient and equitable for generations to come.