Adrienne Jones

Speaker
Maryland House of Delegates

In 2019, Adrienne Jones was elected by unanimous vote as the first African American and first woman Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates, a moment she describes as the proudest of her professional career.

A delegate since 1997 from District 10 (Baltimore County), she was also the first African American woman to hold the position of Speaker Pro Tem, a role she held for 16 years under former Speaker Michael E. Busch.

Jones has introduced legislation addressing racebased economic and health disparities throughout Maryland and has made leadership appointments that further reflect the diversity of the state. Jones’ policy work has also focused on education and funding issues, including those related to school construction.

Jones is a lifelong resident of Baltimore County and received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. In 2008, she received an honorary doctor of law from Goucher College.

What’s the most important life lesson you learned?

That you never know when circumstances will present themselves, so one should always be prepared to handle the unexpected.

What do you do for fun and why?

I visit historical museums, go on nature walks, write, travel. I try to do those things to get out of the weekly work routine and to free my mind of unnecessary clutter.