By ELLEN KOLMAN - Staff Writer - ekolman@starbeacon.com
SAYBROOK TOWNSHIP — Laura Jones is passionate about Ashtabula County and developing people who will lead to improve the quality of life where they live.
Jones began her job as the new executive director for LEADERship Ashtabula County in September. The office is located at 3441 N. Ridge W.
“Laura has all of the competencies required of the position. Her professional and personal experience made her an ideal candidate for the position,” said Joan Billman, board president.
Marta Stone, former executive director, announced in March that she would be leaving LEADERship by the end of the year, and has been working with Jones and the board to ease the transition.
“Laura brings LEADERship a fresh set of eyes, new ideas, enthusiasm and a passion for Ashtabula County,” Stone said.
Jones thanks LEADERship’s board, staff, volunteers, the many wonderful trustees and the Ashtabula County community for making her feel welcome in her new role.
“I have enjoyed every minute of developing our classes and building on the strengths and opportunities of Ashtabula County,” Jones said.
Jones, an Ashtabula County native, discovered the value of philanthropy during her college years at Case Western University in Cleveland.
“Through my sorority, I gained an awareness of the endless needs that are out there and the importance of getting involved,” she said. “After college, I went to work for Huntington Insurance where there is a corporate philosophy of community involvement.”
Jones’ own personal philosophy is one of giving back.
“I have a strong belief that it is my duty to give back and use my skills to make a positive impact in my community,” she said.
Jones is a 2008 LEADERship Ashtabula County graduate and has served on the board of trustees, the Youth Steering Committee and is a day chair facilitator.
“Our LEADERship classes build upon Ashtabula County’s many strengths. It is very satisfying for to watch our class members develop their own sense of appreciation for their community and a desire to become involved,” she said.
Many LEADERship graduates go on to serve on various area boards, Jones said.
“Giving people the eye opening experiences and confidence to get involved in their communities is what LEADERship is all about,” she said.
Besides her new position at LEADERship, Jones is also passionate about her new role as a mother and taking care of her family. In her limited spare time, she enjoys cooking, reading and traveling.
“I am so blessed because I am doing what I truly feel passionate about,” she said.
About LEADERship
Ashtabula County
LEADERship Ashtabula County is a network of individuals — working as one and as many - to learn from the past, strengthen the present and shape the future. The organization prides itself on bringing Ashtabula County alive by exposing program participants to the civic and economic sectors of the county. The over-reaching goal of LEADERship Ashtabula County is to encourage, educate and stimulate individuals to become familiar with and interested and engaged in all aspects of life in our corner of Northeast Ohio.
The personal and professional development program day topics include: Ashtabula County heritage, agriculture, business, labor and economy; health and human services, government and political systems, public safety and justice, education and quality of life (arts, culture and leisure).
Throughout the ten-month program, class members also receive training in group process and begin an important dialogue about “what might be” for Ashtabula County; and how they can be an integral part of it.
Recognizing that today's youth are tomorrow's leaders, LEADERship Ashtabula County offers a program for high school juniors to enhance the abilities, awareness and special talents of one of Ashtabula County's most valuable resources.
YOUth LEADERship students participate in nine one-day sessions where they interact with adult leaders to gain a greater understanding of issues affecting their community. The program combines visiting various areas of Ashtabula County with session topics including: ethics, diversity, communication, critical thinking,
self assessment, perspective, leadership development and public speaking.
LEADERship Ashtabula County has a 22-year history of developing leaders — adult and youth — who have made a substantial contribution to their communities.
