About Jon Bibbs

Originally hailing from the vibrant city of Richmond, Virginia, Jonathan Bibbs stands out as a modern-day Renaissance man. A dynamic fusion of artist, educator, innovator, and community leader, Bibbs embodies a rare combination of creative genius and visionary leadership.

The Musical Maestro:

Bibbs' musical journey began at the early age of 2 years old when he began piano lessons under the mentorship of Susan Trotter at Virginia Commonwealth University. His talents flourished as he grew and matured, leading him to become a recognized recording artist, songwriter, and producer. Bibbs has released 5 studio albums and toured throughout the United States. In 2012 his “Ode to Old Flames” studio album charted at #11 and #14 on iTunes and Amazon’s respective R&B charts.  

Over the years Jon has recorded and performed alongside many notable names in the music industry including Ledisi, Roy Ayers, Chuck Brown, Snoop, Melanie Fiona, Wiz Khalifa, Avant, Musiq Soulchild, Miguel, Eric Roberson, Conya Doss, John Legend, Skillz, Miguel Atwood Ferguson, Janel Monet, Nottz Raw, Tweet, Bilal, and numerous others. His contributions to the music industry have enjoyed national and international recognition. In 2012, Jon was invited to become a voting member of the National Academy for Recording Arts & Sciences (Grammy Awards,) and serve on several committees in the Washington, DC regional chapter. Jon served and participated with NARAS until 2018.

In the realm of worship arts and music ministry, Jonathan has been a beacon of inspiration and leadership. His journey as a musical director began at the age of 9 years old when he began playing at Sixth Baptist Church in Richmond. Since that time, Jonathan has worked across cultural and generational contexts with congregations throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. His work in worship arts and music ministry ranges from directing choirs of all ages to orchestrating contemporary worship services. Bibbs is well-versed in various liturgical models, musical forms, and worship styles. Bibbs also has expanded his offerings in the area of ministry to include workshops, retreats, choral and soloist clinics, coaching for ministry leaders, and more. 

Educational Leadership:

As the CEO of Richmond Preparatory Christian Academy (Richmond Prep) from 2008 to 2023, Bibbs transformed the institution. Making use of the marketing and strategic planning skills he developed while working in the music industry, Bibbs led the Richmond Prep to triple its enrollment, and become a beacon of academic excellence in the city.

Always forward thinking, Bibbs launched several programs at Richmond Prep to enhance the school’s profile in the metro area, extend its offerings to students, and raise funds to support the school’s operations. These programs included the annual Community Leaders Basketball Game, Richmond Prep Spring Fest, Imagination Project Arts Festival, an extensive visual arts program, Frederick Douglass School (for students in grades 6-8,) amongst numerous other programs and initiatives. 

Real Estate Visionary:

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:

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.

Jon’s diverse and expansive resume and body of work establish that he is not just a leader; he is a trendsetter, a visionary who seamlessly blends creativity with leadership. His story is one of relentless pursuit, constant evolution, and an unwavering commitment to make a lasting impact in every domain he touches. His favorite scripture is Philippians 3:13-14

“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.”