JOPLIN, Mo. — The Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Four States Board of Directors has hired Lori Jones as the organization’s new Executive Director. Jones will begin serving in this role on March 4, 2024.
Jones will fill the position of Annette Thurston, who retired at the end of 2023 after 26 years. The Moran Company, based out of Kansas City, facilitated the search and hiring process. Amanda Mitchell served as Interim Executive Director since January 2024 and will assist with the transition of the new director.
“The Succession Committee is very pleased to announce that Lori accepted our offer as Executive Director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Four States,” said Paula Baker, President and CEO of Freeman Health System and Chair of the Charity’s Succession Planning Committee. “Lori has a well-rounded career in non-profit leadership, operations management, marketing, and public relations.”
This year, the Charity is celebrating the 25th Anniversary of their cornerstone program, Ronald McDonald House of the Four States. Additionally, the Ronald McDonald House Charities global system is set to celebrate their 50th anniversary this October.
“The Board of Directors is excited to welcome Lori, who will champion our mission with compassion and dedication for the families we serve,” said Michael Herr, Vice President of Operations at Mercy Hospital Joplin and Board President of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Four States. “Lori will build upon our Charity’s strong foundation and help lead the organization into the next 25 years.”
For the past 23 years, Jones has made Joplin, Missouri her home.
Learn more about Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Four States by visiting www.rmhjoplin.org or calling 417-624-2273.
About Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Four States
Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Four States has served our communities since 1996 through its mission, which is to create, find, and support programs that directly support the health and well-being of children and their families. That mission is executed through its cornerstone program, Ronald McDonald House, and the Ronald McDonald Family Room, located at Mercy Hospital in Joplin. Our House provides temporary lodging for families of seriously ill children (ages 0-21) and ill expectant mothers, while our Family Room serves as a small oasis for families of pediatric patients just steps away from their child’s hospital room. For the more than 200 families that Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Four States serves annually, we give a family with a sick child what they need most – each other.
