November 4, 2026
With more than three decades of experience in the electric utility industry, Mike Jones knows the importance of planning for the future and working with a team focused on serving customers and the community.
That approach led Jones to Starkville Utilities, where he recently began serving as assistant general manager.
“I’m a big believer in the outward mindset, where you do things based on what's best for others and the community overall, and that includes utilities,” Jones said. “Starkville Utilities has put a great deal of effort into building the infrastructure of Starkville. I've been very impressed with their ability to look ahead and do things to make this community more marketable not just to residential customers but industrial as well.”
In his previous utility career, Jones was manager of engineering for 4-County Electric Power Association, where he began as a co-op student while majoring in electrical engineering at Mississippi State. Before joining Starkville Utilities, he worked for Tronox as a project engineer and asset improvement engineer at its manufacturing facility in Hamilton, Miss.
In his new role with Starkville Utilities, Jones is helping manage the community’s electric, water and wastewater systems.
“We knew that Starkville Utilities would benefit from Mike’s extensive utility background, community focus and positive vision for the future,” said Edward Kemp, general manager of Starkville Utilities. “He understands the importance of investing in our people and utility systems and ensuring we provide safe, reliable, professional services that move Starkville forward.”
Jones earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Mississippi State in 1994 and has been a licensed Professional Engineer since 1999.
Originally from Montpelier, Miss., Jones has been a Starkville resident — and a Starkville Utilities customer — for 32 years. From his vantage point as a customer, Jones noticed Starkville Utilities’ proactive efforts to upgrade and modernize its systems for long-term, reliable performance.
As a new Starkville Utilities employee, he is excited to be part of a team that serves the community’s utility needs while providing opportunities for professional growth and success.
“Planning for the future also means preparing new employees to be the leaders of tomorrow,” Jones said. “What I enjoy more than anything is seeing people develop and grow. Leaders serve the people who work for them by facilitating their advancement and training them to be their replacements one day. I really buy into that philosophy.”
Starkville Utilities is a public utility serving 14,000 residences, businesses and industries in Starkville, Mississippi as well as Mississippi State University. Its mission is to supply safe, reliable, and cost-effective electric and water service of superior quality and value that improves the lives of its customers.