PRESS RELEASE
LONDON, July 12, 2026 — The Alzheimer's Association® honored Debbie and Clay Jones with the Jerome H. Stone Philanthropy Award for Alzheimer's Research at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference® 2026 (AAIC®) in London and online for their enduring leadership and commitment to advancing Alzheimer’s research.
Debbie and Clay Jones's longstanding and transformational impact on Alzheimer's research is rooted in a deeply personal journey. Debbie's mother, Tish Smith, was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer's disease at age 62 and lived with the disease for a decade. During her illness, Tish participated in a clinical trial that introduced the family to Alzheimer's research and inspired Debbie and Clay's determination to help advance dementia-related science.
In 2014, the Joneses made their first Alzheimer's Association Zenith Society gift in Tish's honor, directing their support to early-career scientists and the Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM). It was the beginning of an enduring partnership with the Association. In 2016, Debbie and Clay became co-chairs of the Zenith Society, a role they have now held for more than 10 years.
“Supporting the Alzheimer’s Association through the Zenith Society has been one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives,” said Clay Jones. “We’re humbled to be part of a community of generous supporters who are working together toward a future without Alzheimer’s.”
"It is our privilege to present the Jerome H. Stone Philanthropy Award for Alzheimer's Research to Debbie and Clay Jones," said Joanne Pike, DrPH, Alzheimer's Association president and CEO. "Their inspirational leadership and steadfast determination embody the spirit of Jerome H. Stone's commitment. We thank them and their fellow Zenith Society members for their dedication to pushing Alzheimer's research forward to help people, families and caregivers."
Earlier this year, the Joneses made a transformative and historic gift to establish the Debbie and Clay Jones Alzheimer's Research Leadership Awards. The program will empower four Jones Scholars each year with significant research funding, enhanced professional development and mentoring opportunities designed to cultivate the next generation of scientific leaders. The first Jones Scholars will be selected this summer.
Debbie has been a dedicated volunteer leader and donor with the Alzheimer’s Association for more than 20 years, serving in leadership roles at the chapter, national, and advocacy levels. She served as a Board Chair of the Association’s East Central Iowa Chapter, as Secretary and a committee chair for the Alzheimer’s Association Board of Directors, and Secretary of the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) Board of Directors. Clay retired from Rockwell Collins Inc., a multinational avionics and information technology corporation, after a distinguished career that included serving as Chief Executive Officer until 2013 and chairman until 2014. He has also served on the boards of John Deere and Motorola Solutions. The Joneses have two daughters and five grandchildren and reside in Naples, Florida.
About the Zenith Society:
The Zenith Society represents the highest and most involved level of philanthropy at the Alzheimer's Association. Zenith Society members make gifts of $1 million or more, setting the bar for philanthropic leadership, engagement and impact.
About the Alzheimer's Association International Conference® (AAIC®)
The Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) is the world’s largest gathering of researchers from around the world focused on Alzheimer’s and other dementias. As a part of the Alzheimer’s Association’s research program, AAIC serves as a catalyst for generating new knowledge about dementia and fostering a vital, collegial research community.
Alzheimer’s Association: alz.org
AAIC: alz.org/aaic
AAIC newsroom: alz.org/AAICpress
AAIC 2026 hashtag: #AAIC26
About the Alzheimer's Association®
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call +1 800.272.3900.
Media Contacts:
Alzheimer’s Association Media Line, +1 312.335.4078, media@alz.org
AAIC Press Office, aaicmedia@alz.org