Jones named new leader of Girl Scouts in eastern N.C.
By Dennis Hill
Published in News on December 23, 2012 1:50 AM
RALEIGH -- The Girl Scouts North Carolina Coastal Pines' board of directors has selected Lisa M. K. Jones as the new chief executive officer of the nonprofit, which is the largest girl-serving organization in the area, reaching more than 35,000 girls and partnering with 10,000 adult members in 41 central and eastern North Carolina counties.
Jones will be taking the reins from current chief executive officer Rusine Mitchell Sinclair who is retiring from the organization at the end of January 2013.
"We are excited to have Jones moving into the role of chief executive officer at this time in the organization's history -- as Girl Scouts enters its second century as the preeminent leadership development organization for girls. She is a strong role model for the girls and adults she will lead," said board chairman Bernadette Spong, who helped in the candidate search for the position.
Bringing more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Jones will leave her current position as executive director for the Carolina Ballet to become chief executive officer of the local Girl Scout council in January. Her career achievements include successful board and community development, implementation of strategic plans, cultivation and stewardship of donors, and effective personnel management.
"I believe that the young women of North Carolina are our future leaders. It will be a privilege and honor to work with the volunteers, staff, board and community to further the mission and achieve the vision of the Girl Scout program," said Jones. "I am proud to have been a Brownie and a Girl Guide and I am thankful for the impact those impressionable years had on my career path."
Girl Scouts North Carolina Coastal Pines' current chief executive officer Rusine Mitchell Sinclair has led for the past six years. At the start of Sinclair's tenure in 2007, she successfully directed the merger of two legacy councils to create Girl Scouts - North Carolina Coastal Pines. Under her management, the organization has experienced tremendous growth and efficiencies. Prior to joining Girl Scouts, Sinclair spent 25 years with IBM as a vice president and officer of the IBM Corp. and made IBM company history in 2005 when she became the first female senior state executive.
As one of the founding employees of Carolina Ballet, Jones has played a key role in the company's success as marketing director, general manager, and since 2002, executive director. Her leadership and expertise in the areas of arts administration, fundraising, marketing, and relationship building have provided a base on which the Carolina Ballet has flourished.
Spong also shared, "We are confident her leadership experience and passion for non-profit management will enable her to move Girl Scouts - North Carolina Coastal Pines forward as we focus on supporting all girls in grades K-12 with the tools they need to be successful leaders now and throughout their lives."
Jones is the recipient of the Triangle Business Journals' 40 Under 40 award, and Triangle Business Leader's Movers and Shakers and Women Extraordinaire awards. Prior to joining Carolina Ballet, Jones held several other positions in the non-profit management field including managing director of the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training, assistant manager of Foellinger Auditorium, and production manager for Q-productions.
Girl Scouts North Carolina Coastal Pines serves more than 35,000 girls in 41 central and eastern North Carolina counties.
The council's administrative headquarters is located in Raleigh, with additional program and service centers located in Fayetteville and Goldsboro.
For more information on membership or volunteer opportunities, call 800-284-4475 or visit www.nccoastalpines.org.