A Lasting Legacy: Bryan Jones '03

When Bryan Jones '03 started ninth grade at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School, he felt intimidated when he first arrived on campus. After previously attending county schools, entering a small private school was a drastic change. But after just two weeks, he established friendships that he maintains to this day. 

“I loved HIES and had an amazing experience there,” Mr. Jones said. “Teachers were always there for their students and that had a lasting impact on me.” 

He played for the HIES basketball, baseball and golf teams but golf emerged as the focus of his time. He was named Atlanta Player of the Year and earned a golf scholarship to Georgia Southern University, where he was an All-Conference player in 2006 and 2007. Mr. Jones received a Bachelor of Science in sports management in 2007 and played on PGA mini-tours for more than two years before entering the corporate world. He serves as senior account executive for SingleOps, a business management software company tailored to landscape and tree care companies. The company was co-founded by HIES alumnus Sean McCormick ’05. 

In his career endeavors, the HIES connection was always a bonus. “It definitely helped having HIES in common,” Mr. Jones said. “I felt like I could reach out to any friends or former classmates.” 

Those relationships also play a role in a project close to his heart. Twelve years ago, Mr. Jones launched the Culbreth Cup golf event to support United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia. His grandparents, Roy and Floy Culbreth, helped found the Atlanta Chapter of United Cerebral Palsy in 1962. Later on, the Atlanta chapter was absorbed by United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia. Mr. Jones now serves on the board.

The organization provides a wide range of support for more than 500 individuals and their families living with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, spina bifida, traumatic brain injury and more. Their program is designed to help maximize potential, discover talents and develop skills to achieve personal goals. 

“My grandparents were very near and dear to my heart and this event keeps their legacy alive,” Mr. Jones said. “They always lived a life of kindness and were extraordinarily supportive of me.” 

Mr. Culbreth drove Mr. Jones to golf practices and tournaments until he could drive himself. “My acceptance of a college golf scholarship would not have been possible without their encouragement and support,” he said.  

To date, the Culbreth Cup has raised more than $500,000 for UCP of GA, including $57,000 at the 2022 event held at Bobby Jones Golf Course. 

And the next generation of Jones philanthropists (and golfers) is on the rise. Mr. Jones and his wife of nine years, Julie, are the proud parents of Charlie, 6, and Hoyt, 4, who are starting to learn to play golf. 

— Christina Mimms