Press Release: 10/29/2025
Chief of Investigations and Enforcement Nomxolisi Jones Honored for Leadership and Mentoring in State Government
For Immediate Release
October 29, 2025
Contact
Maryalice Curley
Director of Communications
857-292-4891
Neal McNamara
Press Secretary
857-507-0885
WORCESTER—The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission’s Chief of Investigations and Enforcement, Nomxolisi Jones, was honored with the 2025 Governor Paul Cellucci Award for Leadership and Mentoring in State Government at the 41st Annual Performance Recognition Program Awards Ceremony on October 29 at the State House.
The award, which is provided as part of the Commonwealth’s Employee Performance Recognition Program, goes to outstanding leaders and mentors who foster a supportive and developmental approach with colleagues. Chief Jones, who is the Commission’s first recipient since its 2017 inception as an independent state agency, received this award for her commitment to the professional development of her fellow employees and sharing her expertise and knowledge beyond the standard expectations of her role.
“This award affirms what we already know at the Commission, which is that Chief Jones demonstrates outstanding leadership and an unwavering commitment to uplifting colleagues and peers,” Executive Director Travis Ahern said. “We are extremely proud of her for receiving this honor and the recognition that it signifies for our entire team.”
“Chief Jones leads by example and continues to foster a culture of collaboration and support among the Investigations and Enforcement Department and the broader agency,” Chair Shannon O’Brien said. “This award is well-deserved and serves as a testament to the Commission’s progress within state government now that we are in our eighth year of regulating legal cannabis in Massachusetts.”
The Governor Paul Cellucci Award for Leadership and Mentoring in State Government was established to honor former Governor and State Senator Paul Cellucci who is recognized as an outstanding leader in the area of mentoring in the workplace.
“This award acknowledges Chief Jones’ noteworthy service to the Commonwealth,” Commissioner Kimberly Roy said. “I am happy that she is being celebrated for the important work that she does to keep our regulated cannabis industry safe in Massachusetts, and the integral role she plays as part of our agency leadership team.”
“I’ve had the privilege of working with Governor Paul Cellucci and can say that Chief Jones embodies the commitment to public service that he so valued, so we congratulate her on this impressive achievement,” Commissioner Bruce Stebbins said.
Chief Jones joined the Commission in September 2020 as the Director of Investigations wherein she led the team designated to review, inspect, and investigate compliance matters. She was promoted to the Acting Chief of Investigations and Enforcement in December 2023 and was ultimately hired to the permanent role in 2024. As Chief, she is responsible for the managing the Commission’s Licensing, Testing, Investigations, Enforcement Projects, Enforcement Training, and Enforcement Counsel staff, and spearheads implementation and enforcement efforts relative to the Commonwealth’s cannabis laws and regulations. Learn more about the agency’s progress and accomplishments during her tenure by reviewing the Commission’s Annual Activities Reports which are submitted every fall to the Legislature in accordance with state law.
The Commonwealth’s Performance Recognition Program is an annual opportunity to recognize the outstanding achievements of state employees for their dedication and contributions to public service. The program is overseen by the Massachusetts Human Resources Department (HRD) which accepts nominations for eligible awardees. Submissions are reviewed by an independent selection committee that then recommends potential award winners for further review and approval by leadership. The annual award ceremony is hosted by HRD, the Executive Office of Administration and Finance, and the Governor and Commonwealth leadership.