Boston, MA…MetroLacrosse, the largest, most successful urban lacrosse program serving youth and teens in the US, recently hired Aaron Jones as their new Chief Executive Officer. As CEO, Jones is responsible for daily operations and the delivery of lacrosse programs to nearly 700 urban boys and girls throughout the city of Boston. He also oversees the initiatives to expand the nonprofit organization’s seven-figure budget, attract new participants, recruit volunteer participation, and grow the donor base.
“MetroLacrosse is an organization that has displayed a magnificent focus on the under-served urban market within the city of Boston,” said Jones. “I hope to bring my professional experience to bear to continue and expand the excellent contributions this group has made to their kids and the communities they so honorably represent.” He adds, “I hope to replicate the impact that the sport of lacrosse has had on my life with these kids and this organization for years to come. That milestone will mark an exceptional commemoration to my personal and professional career.”
Jones has more than two decades of sports industry experience. He led his own sports marketing firm, Jones Marketing & Management, Inc. (JMM), served as the leader of professional sport franchises including President of the National Lacrosse League’s New York Titans and the NBA Development league’s Greenville Groove. Jones’ experience also includes executive tenures managing local marketing and licensing efforts for the NFL and the NFL Players Association, as well as, leading a sports/entertainment focused internet start-up. Throughout his endeavors, he successfully generated sustainable revenue streams through partnership building, equity funding initiatives, sponsorship and licensing programs, strategic event management, and fundraising.
Entrenched in the lacrosse community since a very young age, Jones began playing in Hempstead, NY, a community similar to the environment for MetroLacrosse participants. He later became a standout player on the Cornell University lacrosse team, highlighted by his selection as an All-American in 1987, the year his team finished as the NCAA Division 1 Lacrosse Champion runner-up. He also served as the initial Co-Chairman of the US Lacrosse Diversity & Inclusion Committee.
Jones received his BS from Cornell, and a Master’s of Science degree from the University of Massachusetts.
About MetroLacrosse
Launched in 2000, MetroLacrosse is a non-profit organization based in Boston founded to serve youth and teens with a unique program combining lacrosse, youth development, and educational activities. Upon its founding, MetroLacrosse focused on reducing the disparity between sports programs available to urban youth as compared to their suburban counterparts. The organization provides social, recreational, and learning opportunities to nearly 700 youth from Boston’s urban neighborhoods. The MetroLacrosse Board of Directors, the New Balance Foundation and other private and public foundations provide funding and support sources for the organization.