Lifetime Achievement Award ~ Joann Blount
Joann Blount is an accomplished professional who has dedicated her long-standing career to positively impacting her community. She recently retired in June 2021 as an Administrative Assistant/Staffing Coordinator of the Behavioral Health Department from Trinitas Regional Medical Center (RWJBH), where she had served for over 50 years.
In addition to her work at Trinitas, Joann Blount was the owner and President of J.B. Associates & Staffing, LLC in Elizabeth, NJ. For over 12 years, her company played a pivotal role in generating job opportunities, particularly in construction services, benefiting both men and women in Essex and Union County, New Jersey. Through strategic partnerships with government and private organizations’ human resource departments, they effectively addressed staffing needs in the region.
Joann Blount’s dedication to community service shines through her active involvement in various initiatives. Serving on panels with the Union County Board of Freeholders and The Urban League, six years as a Democratic Committee Person in Roselle, NJ, Vice-President of Roselle Civic Association and Advisor on the Community Advisory Board Committee at Trinitas Regional Medical Center highlight her multifaceted commitment. Her work in organizing health fairs, along with participation in voter registration and voter education initiatives, have undeniably enhanced the quality of life for many people in Union and Essex County.
Joann Blount’s entrepreneurial spirit guided her to engage directly and indirectly with people, fostering a passionate and positive leadership role in the fight for equality and human rights. Her commitment reflects a genuine dedication to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. In 1997, she was elected President of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. Rahway Section, Rahway, NJ, where she was very successful in implementing programs such as advocating for women’s rights, youth programs, and strengthening the organization’s financial foundation. She chaired a campaign drive for the organization, “Fund for the Future,” a fundraiser event that garnered a significant amount of contributions towards the new National Council of Negro Women, Inc. National Headquarters office in Washington, D.C. She was elected Chair for the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. Bethune Height Recognition Program for the state of New Jersey and served four years. She has also served one year as Chairperson for NCNW, NJ Financial Seminar, which was held at Union County College, Union, NJ.
In 2003, driven by her passion and vision, organized the National Council of Negro Women Inc., Greater Elizabeth Area Section, further expanding the organization’s reach and impact under her dedicated leadership. She served as the past President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, and Treasurer. She currently serves on the NCNW National Election Committee, Administrative Organizer Advisor, Financial Secretary, and Chair for the Greater Elizabeth Area Section Annual Harambee Breakfast. Joann Blount is a Legacy Life Member and has been dedicated to the organization from the day she joined the National Council of Negro Women, Inc.
Joann Blount’s reputation for her superior organizational skills, coupled with her willingness to help others, speaks volumes. Her personable nature and readiness to go the extra mile makes her a standout community member. Through her hard work, dedication, and commitment to helping others, Joann Blount has truly become a valuable asset to her community.
