Following the departure of John “Moose” Desmarais, Sr., who has served the organization for 30+ years, Civil Air Patrol has named Kristina E. Jones as its new interim Chief Operating Officer to ensure a seamless transition.
Jones, an accomplished executive, has extensive leadership experience in philanthropy, marketing, organizational development, and strategic planning, and currently serves as CAP’s chief growth officer and as president/executive director of the Civil Air Patrol Foundation. In these roles, she has revitalized CAP’s reach and expanded the organization’s capacity to serve its programs nationwide.
Jones holds a master’s degree in intercultural communications from Abilene Christian University and a bachelor’s degree in organizational communications from McMurry University. She is also a certified fund raising executive and a certified professional Innovator and holds a certificate in organizational development, bringing together a focus on people and culture with a systems approach aligning strategy and processes to CAP’s leadership team.
As interim COO, Jones will oversee the organization’s daily operations and guide CAP through this transition period.
“Kristina brings proven leadership, a track record of growth, and a deep commitment to Civil Air Patrol’s mission,” said Maj. Gen. Regena M. Aye, CAP national commander. “We are confident she will provide steady and strong operational leadership during this transition.”
