Julie Jones has had her share lately of on-the-job training in leadership.
Jones is leading marketing efforts for Mercy Health System – Central Communities, working as the executive director of Mercy Marketing and Communications for the last two years. During that time, the health system underwent a name change to Mercy from St. John’s, and its hospital in Joplin was destroyed by an EF-5 tornado.
With the change to the Mercy brand, Jones says it has been a challenge to communicate the system’s efforts to its 10,000-plus employees and the Springfield-area community. “Rallying the troops has taken leadership and spirit,” she says, adding that she tries to be a leader in all areas of her life.
Jones says her greatest accomplishment, however, has been her involvement in rebuilding the Joplin community.
“I have spent countless hours helping the local marketing team communicate needs and services available. It has been an amazing year full of sorrow, rebuilding and, finally, celebrations,” Jones says.
Jones joined Mercy in 1995, holding positions in planning and marketing departments for five years before working as vice president of guest and co-worker services 2000-2010. In her current role, Jones collaborates with leadership teams to develop strategic marketing and communications plans, managing all related efforts for Mercy facilities in Kansas and southern Missouri.
Jones says she takes pride in the opportunities she’s had to be a mentor, and through her efforts, she’s been able to touch the lives of many.
“I still have a note from one of our fellows that started, ‘I don’t think you will ever truly realize what a great impact you have had on my life. You have served as a supervisor, educator and friend. Thank you for showing me a successful woman – in business and as a mother. Your impact and influence in my life, both career and personal, has been great.’ I couldn’t have asked for a greater compliment,” Jones says.
Jones says Mercy is supportive of community involvement, and her current civic roles include serving on the board of directors and as a campaign cabinet member for United Way of the Ozarks. She also served on the board of Lost & Found grief support organization 2005–11.
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