LISC announced today that its CEO will leave the organization in March to take the helm of a new corporate venture focused on career pathways for Black Americans. Jones will remain on the board of directors as LISC moves forward with an ambitious agenda to address disparities based on race, class, gender and geography.
The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) today announced that its president and CEO, Maurice A. Jones, will be stepping down in March 2021. Jones has led LISC since 2016 and oversaw a period of tremendous growth and expansion of the 40-year-old organization—including more than $2 billion in community investments during 2020.
Jones will be taking the helm at OneTen, a newly formed venture launched by Fortune 500 corporations working to hire and advance 1 million Black Americans without four-year college degrees into family-sustaining jobs and careers over the next 10 years. He will continue to serve on the LISC board of directors.
“During Maurice’s tenure, LISC has achieved remarkable results, including expanding LISC’s geographic footprint as well as its programmatic impact,” said Robert E. Rubin, the former U.S. Treasury Secretary who has served as LISC chairman for the last two decades. “We are looking forward to having his continued engagement in our work as a member of our board.”
Jones led LISC’s widespread COVID-19 relief and recovery efforts in 2020, as well as its deepening commitment to racial equity with the launch of Project 10X, a $1 billion initiative to bridge racial gaps in health, wealth and opportunity.
In recent years, LISC also embarked on a southern expansion strategy, with new program offices in Atlanta, Charlotte, Memphis, Upstate, SC and Hampton Roads, VA, along with an expanded rural investment program that supports community development work in more than 2,000 counties in 45 states.
“After years of significant growth, LISC is well-positioned for the future, with strong leadership and staff, a solid financial position and deep local relationships that help us support progress for the communities we serve,” Rubin said. “We will continue to pursue our ambitious agenda related to affordable housing, economic development, health and jobs, with a clear focus on addressing socio-economic and racial disparities, as we begin the search for our new leader.”
In the coming weeks, LISC will launch a formal search process for a new CEO. During this period of transition, LISC’s seasoned senior staff will continue to drive programs and investments, with the active participation of its board. “We will continue to draw from a deep well of experience across our board and leadership team, as well as the entrepreneurial drive of more than 500 LISC staff members working throughout the country,” said Annie Donovan, chief operating officer. “Our work will move forward on pace and on mission.”
Even with a shift in leadership, LISC’s core mission remains constant, added Denise Scott, executive vice president who oversees the work of LISC’s 36 local offices throughout the country. “LISC will continue to design and support efforts that nurture untapped talent, build up the infrastructure of our communities, and catalyze economic opportunity—especially in communities of color—so that our economy works better for everyone.”
Jones offered his thanks to LISC’s partners, funders and staff for their dedication to this important work and looked to the future. “Last year, we saw the remarkable team at LISC step up to respond to the pandemic. We deepened our work in racial and economic justice, and we financed strategies that break down barriers, so that families have the chance to thrive regardless of race, class or zip code. All of that will continue to grow in 2021 and beyond.”