New executive director named for Ronald McDonald House

Feb. 14—Lori Jones, a Joplin woman experienced in nonprofit leadership, has been named the new executive director of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Four States.

She begins March 4.

Jones was selected by the Ronald McDonald House board of directors to succeed Annette Thurston, who retired Dec. 31 after 26 years as the organization's first executive director.

"Lori has a well-rounded career in non-profit leadership, operations management, marketing and public relations," Paula Baker, president and CEO of Freeman Health System and chair of the charity's succession planning committee, said in a statement.

Jones is the former development coordinator of Children's Center of Southwest Missouri, "where she was successful in fundraising, donor development, program strategy, and grant management," according to the statement.

Before that, she served as associate executive director of the Joplin Family Y for nearly six years and then was a talent adviser for Leggett & Platt.

Jones has lived in Joplin for 23 years.

Michael Herr, vice president of operations at Mercy Hospital and president of the Ronald McDonald House board of directors, said, "The board of directors is excited to welcome Lori, who will champion our mission with compassion and dedication for the families we serve. Lori will build upon our charity's strong foundation and help lead the organization into the next 25 years."

This year, the Ronald McDonald House will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the local program; the Ronald McDonald House Charities global system will celebrate its 50th anniversary in October.

The charity provides a home for families of seriously ill children and ill expectant mothers being treated at Freeman Health System and Mercy Hospital Joplin.

Since Thurston retired as the executive director of the charity, Amanda Mitchell has served as interim director.