About Jon Bibbs
by Patricia Harvey
Hailing from the vibrant city of Richmond, Virginia, Jonathan Bibbs embodies the spirit of resilience, perseverance, and entrepreneurial grit. A dynamic fusion of artist, educator, innovator, and community leader, Bibbs is a modern-day Renaissance man whose diverse talents and visionary leadership have made a significant impact in multiple fields.
The Musical Maestro:
Jonathan's musical journey began at the tender age of two under the mentorship of Susan Trotter at Virginia Commonwealth University. His prodigious talents flourished, leading him to become a recognized recording artist, songwriter, and producer. With five studio albums and nationwide tours, his "Ode to Old Flames" album charted at #11 on iTunes and #14 on Amazon's R&B charts in 2012.
Jon has recorded and performed alongside industry greats such as Ledisi, Roy Ayers, Chuck Brown, Snoop, Melanie Fiona, Wiz Khalifa, Avant, Musiq Soulchild, Miguel, and John Legend, among many others. His contributions have received national and international recognition, culminating in his invitation to become a voting member of the National Academy for Recording Arts & Sciences (Grammy Awards) in 2012, serving until 2018.
In the realm of worship arts and music ministry, Jonathan has been a beacon of inspiration and leadership since the age of nine, playing at Sixth Baptist Church in Richmond. He has worked across cultural and generational contexts with congregations throughout Virginia, directing choirs, orchestrating contemporary worship services, and offering workshops, retreats, clinics, and coaching for ministry leaders.
Educational Leadership:
As CEO of Richmond Preparatory Christian Academy (Richmond Prep) from 2008 to 2023, Jonathan transformed the institution. Leveraging his marketing and strategic planning skills from the music industry, he tripled the school's enrollment and established it as a beacon of academic excellence.
Jonathan launched several programs to enhance the school's profile, including the annual Community Leaders Basketball Game, Richmond Prep Spring Fest, Imagination Project Arts Festival, and an extensive visual arts program. His forward-thinking initiatives have significantly impacted the school's success and community engagement.
In his current role as Director of Community Engagement at New Schools for Virginia, Jonathan continues to shape the educational landscape. He is at the forefront of launching Harbor School, a new charter middle school. His efforts focus on gathering public support, navigating curriculum approval processes, and securing local school board approval. Jonathan's strategic planning and community rallying are pivotal in driving the mission of New Schools for Virginia forward.
Real Estate Visionary:
Jon with Broker, John Finn receiving the Millenium Club award for outstanding production and the Carter Franck Award for Community Service in Central Virginia.
In 2021, Bibbs ventured into the real estate world with the launch of his Commonwealth Solutions Group (CSG) real estate sales team. His strategic and innovative approaches in this field produced over 6 million dollars in closed transactions between 2021 and 2022 - an achievement that placed Jon in United Real Estate’s elite Millennium Club for top sale producers.
The CSG real estate brand centers technology as a pivotal tool for efficiency in real estate transactions. Jon developed the team’s proprietary platform, “CSG Home” which is a revolutionary tool for real estate buyers and sellers, conveniently delivering the intricacies of the transaction process directly to their mobile devices.
In 2023, Jon launched the web series “It’s Your Home” which streamed on RVA Small Business Network. The weekly show provided insights, information and tips on homeownership and the real estate industry.
Academic Pursuits and Recognitions:
Bibbs’ educational background is as diverse as his career. He began his studies at Hampton University in 1999, where he pursued a Bachelors of Arts degree in History Education. In 2012 he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from Virginia University of Lynchburg in 2012 in recognition of his extensive work in church music. Bibbs earned a Master of Theology from Grimké Seminary with an emphasis in Pastoral Leadership in 2021.
A Community Pillar:
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Commissioned painting “Dr. Jon Bibbs” by David Marion
Beyond his professional achievements, Bibbs' role in community development is noteworthy. Appointed by Mayor Levar Stoney to the Richmond 300 Advisory Council in 2019, and appointed by Virginia Commonwealth University to the East Marshall Street Well Project Implementation Committee in 2020, Jon has been deeply and directly involved in the shaping the trajectory of the Richmond community. In recognition of his work in the city as a musical artist, worker in faith communities, educational trailblazer, and community leader, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts tapped Jonathan as an honoree and commissioned a portrait of him by noted visual artist David Marion as a part of its 2021 “Community Makers” collection. The portrait was on exhibit in the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the Black History Museum of Virginia in 2021.
Jonathan's expansive resume and body of work establish him as a leader and trendsetter, blending creativity with leadership. His journey is one of relentless pursuit, constant evolution, and an unwavering commitment to making a lasting impact in every domain he touches. His favorite scripture, Philippians 3:13-14, encapsulates his drive and determination.
“Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.”