In the course of our incredibly busy work year, it’s easy to forget to take a step back and reflect on the gifts we receive every day. Thanksgiving can be that reminder: to take stock of the extraordinary efforts of our partners and the members of the communities where we invest—efforts that catalyze opportunity and wellbeing for all Americans. That work enriches each one of us, and I am profoundly grateful for it.
Very often, the corollary to gratitude is the generosity of others. I certainly find that to be true at LISC. We are able to have the impact we do because of our funders, who give so generously of their resources; because of our community partners, who give tirelessly of their time and expertise; and because of our remarkable teammates. Every employee here brings talent, labor, insight, passion and compassion to the imperative work of transforming communities and helping this nation realize its potential: to be a place of safety, equality and prosperity for all.
May you all have a peaceful, blessed Thanksgiving, knowing that the work you do is valued, and makes a vital difference in the world around us.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Maurice A. Jones, President & CEO, LISC
Prior to joining LISC, Maurice was the Secretary of Commerce for the Commonwealth of Virginia, where he managed 13 state agencies focused on the economic needs in his native state. Before that, he was second in command at the U.S. Dept. of HUD, serving as deputy secretary in charge of operations. He has also been Commissioner of Virginia’s Dept. of Social Services and Deputy Chief of Staff to then-Gov. Mark Warner. At the U.S. Treasury Dept. during the Clinton Administration, he managed the CDFI fund. His private sector experience includes top positions at the Virginian-Pilot in Norfolk, a Richmond law firm and a private philanthropy investing in community-based efforts to benefit children in Washington, D.C.