THE WASHINGTON CAMPUS, INC.
President and CEO

Founded in 1978 by L. William Seidman, The Washington Campus is a consortium of 16 major university business schools committed to educating graduate business students and corporate executives about the complexities of government decision-making. Participants gain an understanding of key policy issues as well as the legislative and budget processes so that they are well positioned to engage effectively in the policy-making process.

"We're so pleased that The Washington Campus will benefit from Secretary Jones' leadership at this important time in our organization's history," said The Honorable Kenneth A. Guenther, Chairman of the Board of Directors. "She brings with her experience, not only as a higher education leader, but as a business owner, innovative thinker and strategic policy-maker. This unique skill set will ensure that The Washington Campus continues to deliver cutting-edge programs that help future business leaders understand the critical intersection between business and public policy."

At the U.S. Department of Education, Secretary Jones served as the principal advisor to U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings on matters related to postsecondary education. Additionally, her office administered over 50 grant programs that support higher education nationwide.

"Diane's leadership and expertise on matters related to post-secondary education will be missed," said Secretary Spellings. "She's been an asset to the higher education team at the Department and she's provided valuable insights on a multitude of front-burner issues impacting post-secondary education. I know that as she tackles this new challenge, those with whom she works will benefit from her intellect and enthusiasm for providing educational opportunities for all Americans."

Trained as a molecular biologist, Secretary Jones' career began as a laboratory director and biology professor. She later ventured into small business as the founding owner of a natural and gourmet food store, a healthcare and wellness center, and as a founding co-owner of an environmental biotechnology company.

With funding from the National Science Foundation, Secretary Jones later established a biotechnology institute at the Community College of Baltimore County to train high-skilled technicians for the burgeoning biotechnology industry in the Baltimore-Washington area.

In 2000, Secretary Jones became a program officer at the National Science Foundation before moving to a career in science policy, serving during the 107th Congress as a majority professional staff member and acting staff director for the Research Subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science. She returned to higher education serving as Princeton University's Director of the Office of Government Affairs from 2003-2005.

In 2005, Secretary Jones joined the Bush Administration as the Deputy to the Associate Director for Science in the Office of Science and Technology Policy, Executive Office of the President. In May 2007, President George W. Bush nominated her to serve as Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education; the Senate confirmed her on August 1, 2007.