Martavius D. Jones grew up in Memphis and graduated from Central High School. After Central, Martavius attended Howard University in Washington, D.C., where he received a Bachelor’s of Business Administration degree in finance and was named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges and the Golden Key National Honor Society.

 

He began his career in financial services with Aetna Life & Casualty in Hartford, Connecticut, where he worked in the Employee Benefits Division that was responsible for the overall operations of group health, group life, and pension benefits. In 1993, he relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, with Aetna, and worked for Aetna Health Plans recruiting physicians and other health care providers for participation in managed healthcare networks such as PPOs (Preferred Provider Organizations and HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations).

 

In 1994, he began his career with as a financial advisor with A.G. Edwards & Sons in Nashville. In 1998 he joined the investment department of what was First American Bank returned to Memphis in 1999 with First American, which became AmSouth Investment Services, where he remained until 2001.

 

In 2001, he launched Jones Wealth Management Group, a financial services firm that helps individuals, families, and small business owners achieve financial independence through retirement, investment, and financial planning. Martavius has earned the designation of a Chartered Federal Employee Benefits Consultant(SM) which is a designation for financial planning professionals who have been specially trained on the complexities associated with the retirement and other benefits offered to the employees of the federal government. Additionally, he has served a NFL Players Association Registered Financial Advisor.

 

Martavius began public service in 2003 when he was appointed to the Memphis Alcohol Commission by then-mayor, Dr. Willie W. Herenton and served until 2014.

 

In 2006, Martavius was sworn in to fulfill the remaining term of the District 4 seat on the Memphis City Schools Board of Commissioners. In November of 2006, he ran unopposed to serve a full four year term. He was selected as chairman of the budget committee and in 2008 selected as the chairman of the superintendent search committee. In 2009, he was elected as president of the Memphis City School Board.  He remained on the school board until August 2013.

 

His additional service include; Board member, Methodist Hospital Extended Care Hospital Board; Board member, Playhouse on the Square; Board member, Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum; Board member (former), Memphis Police Foundation; Board member, Memphis in May International Festival.