As chief philanthropy officer for Communities In Schools of Georgia, Jomal Vailes works closely with its president and board of directors to lead the statewide agency's resource development strategies focused on expanding philanthropic investments and agency visibility. Vailes, a Certified Fundraising Executive, is no stranger to advocating for vulnerable populations. He previously served as chief external affairs officer for The Center for Working Families, overseeing fund development, communications, and strategic partnerships as part of its Family Economic Success and Two-Generation portfolios. An accomplished leader focused on achieving outcomes, impacting families and children, and strengthening communities, Vailes has served Atlanta's nonprofit community for more than 20 years, including roles as manager of corporate and foundation relations for Georgia Aquarium, and as manager of community engagement and diversity programs for the world-renowned Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

Vailes is a 2020 candidate for a master's degree in philanthropy from LaGrange College and holds a bachelor's degree in organizational leadership from Valdosta State University. He was inducted as a member of Outstanding Atlanta, Class of 2018; is an alumni of the High Potential Diverse Leaders (HPDL) Program of the Georgia Center for Nonprofits; is an alumni fellow of the Atlanta Leaders for Results (ALR) Program of The Annie E. Casey Foundation (2013) and is an inaugural Diversity Fellow of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Atlanta Chapter (2010). He serves on the board of the Harvard Debate Council Diversity Project (HDCDP) and is on the national Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee of Communities In Schools (national). Vailes is a member of the African-American Development Officers (AADO) Network and Association of Fundraising Professionals. He also serves on the Development Authority Board of Union City,