Markus Jones
EASTHAMPTON — Riverside Industries Inc. (RSI) announced that Markus Jones has been appointed by its board of directors to serve as its next president and CEO, effective immediately.
He previously served as the organization’s interim president and CEO beginning March 1. Prior to that appointment, he held the position of senior director of Development & Strategic Operations, a role that saw him serving as the agency’s chief fundraiser and working alongside RSI’s previous president and CEO to operationalize strategic initiatives.
Jones was first introduced to the transformative power of philanthropy in his home state of Mississippi during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. It was his experience supporting volunteers in the long-term recovery efforts following that natural disaster that revealed the true meaning of philanthropy, sparking his passion for nonprofit development.
His career in the nonprofit sector now spans 20 years in support of various nonprofit missions throughout the country. He has worked as a senior frontline fundraiser in the areas of higher education, Greek life at his college fraternity’s national headquarters (Sigma Nu), healthcare, and private secondary education in Western Mass. He has a bachelor’s degree in advertising from the University of Southern Mississippi and has been a certified fundraising executive since 2017.
Throughout this nine-month leadership transition, RSI’s board of directors and staff have remained committed to advancing the agency’s mission of empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through meaningful opportunities for employment, community engagement, and personal growth.
“Under Markus’ interim leadership, RSI has continued to move forward with purpose and stability,” said Jeff Palm, chair of RSI’s board of directors. “Our strategic priorities, programs, and operations have remained strong. We are also deeply grateful to our employees, partners, and supporters whose dedication ensures RSI continues delivering high-quality services to the individuals who rely on us every day.”
During the interim leadership period, Jones stewarded the completion of a nearly $500,000 construction project within the agency’s repurposed mill property located at 1 Cottage St. in Easthampton. This newly constructed space was funded through a collaborative effort, including a $250,000 grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development, private donations, and RSI’s own investment.
Once operational, it will serve as the home for RSI’s Production Department, which operates as a social enterprise employing RSI program participants and financially supports its wide-ranging day program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This project is among several other strategic initiatives representing RSI’s ongoing investment in the agency’s workforce, program innovation, and building improvements.
“It is an honor to serve in this role during such a pivotal moment in RSI’s history,” Jones said. “RSI’s strength has always come from its people, our dedicated staff, the individuals we support, their families, and our community partners. I will remain focused on our mission and am committed to providing exceptional services and opportunities that help people achieve their goals and thrive. I’m equally focused on the future, the growing economic pressures, the well-being of our dedicated staff, the next generation of RSI program participants, their evolving life goals, and the programs and spaces we’ll need to meet their needs.”
Riverside Industries is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through person-centered services that promote independence, community inclusion, and meaningful employment.