Samantha Jones, In Her Own Words
“I’m Samantha (Samm) Jones, and I serve as the Director of Development for the Midland Area Community Foundation.
I am originally from Brighton. I grew up with two siblings and graduated from Brighton High School in 2006. I spent my youth playing every sport I could, with lacrosse being my main focus in high school and, eventually, college.
For my education, I originally set out to become an English or special education teacher, but my path shifted toward experiential education—outdoor recreation, environmental education, and community engagement. After a brief stint at a small college in North Carolina, I transferred to Central Michigan University, where I studied Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Services with a concentration in outdoor and environmental recreation and a minor in environmental studies. My internships took me from guiding mountain biking and backpacking trips in Colorado to working at the Greater Midland Community Center, which became my first real connection to Midland. That role opened my eyes to the nonprofit world and how this community supports and collaborates.
I went on to graduate school at CMU, earning an assistantship with the Great Lakes Institute for Sustainable Systems. There, I authored sustainability reports and worked across departments to advance campus initiatives. I later worked for Girls on the Run and the Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum in Saginaw.
It was at CMU where I also met my husband, Pat. Over the years, we’ve grown together through career changes, home ownership, and all the twists and turns of life. One of the biggest joys we’ve shared is becoming parents to our son, Harrison. Parenthood has been a humbling and beautiful journey, filled with the chaos of toddlerhood, the sweetness of bedtime stories, and the pride of watching him grow into his own person.
Midland became home when Pat and I decided this was where we wanted to raise a family. We love being within walking distance to Downtown Midland, spending weekends at local parks, and watching Harrison play ball at the Miracle Field. Those everyday moments, like walks through the neighborhood, cheering at his games, and meeting friends Downtown, remind me why strong communities matter so much.
I’ve stayed in the nonprofit sphere because I believe in building communities where everyone feels welcome and supported. My hope for the future of Midland is that we truly live up to the core words in our community vision statement by being: Together. Forward. Bold; remaining open to each other’s perspectives, willing to be vulnerable, and committed to working side by side to create a place where everyone can thrive for generations to come.”