·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ

Even as a youth, Marsha Jones was committed to making a difference in the communities around her. Nicknamed “The Crusader,” few could have predicted how perfectly the title would define her life’s work as an educator, financial services executive and national leader for the ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ.

After losing her father to complications from a stroke in 2011, Jones began volunteering as a way to honor his memory. She served at the local Pittsburgh ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ chapter before rising to national leadership positions, including board chairperson from 2023 to 2025 and now immediate past chairperson.

Colleagues credit Jones with helping to strengthen the Heart Association’s financial foundation, growing reserve assets and supporting strategic investments in scientific research, technology and leadership development. She presided as the Association celebrated its rich, 100-year history in 2024. And her steady leadership helped navigate new terrain as the world emerged from the COVID-19 crisis.

Jones’ dedication has earned her the 2026 Morgan Stark Memorial Award, for outstanding stewardship and leadership in human resources, finances or operations. Stark was a respected investor, philanthropist and volunteer who worked diligently to optimize the organization’s finances, ensuring every possible dollar was directed toward the mission.

Jones will be honored June 23 at the Heart Association’s National Volunteer Awards ceremony in Irving, Texas.

Lee Shapiro, the ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ’s chairperson of the board, said Jones is an exceptional leader who helped buoy the organization’s resources during her board tenure.

“She has not only been involved in the financial aspects of the business, but she understands the critical role our volunteers and staff play in the mission,” he said, noting that giving rise to fresh perspectives is vitally important. “As an example, Marsha crafted the Emerging Leaders Council to give young, talented volunteers a voice across the Association and to grow them for future roles that will help advance our mission.”

Jones values the energy, fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that younger generations bring to the organization. These emerging leaders help create a strong pipeline of talent.

“Without that pipeline, organizations can scramble to fill critical positions and adapt to change,” she said. “By developing future leaders, we position ourselves to meet new challenges and opportunities.”

Jones’ own leadership skills were shaped long before boardrooms and executive titles, thanks to the influence of her supportive mother and father. She began her career as a teacher in the South Bronx, working on her master’s degree at Columbia University at night. There, she developed the belief that leadership starts with listening and helping others grow.

“Teachers are always looking for ways to inspire others to move ahead,” she said. “You learn how to make lemonade out of lemons.”

That mindset carried her into her financial services career when she became a trader during the 1980s. At the time, it was unusual for stockbrokers to be Black or women. Determined to break barriers, she became Merrill Lynch’s first female national sales manager.

Jones was working with Merrill Lynch colleagues across the street from the World Trade Center when the terrorist attacks occurred on Sept. 11, 2001. Although the Merrill Lynch location sustained only minor damage and reopened within a year, the emotional toll was significant.

“We lost one financial adviser, and many others had trauma from witnessing the events,” she said.

Jones spearheaded rebuilding that office — not the physical space, but rather the spirit of it. “My role quickly became helping rebuild the culture and encouraging employees to move forward together,” she said.

Jones later joined PNC Financial Services Group, where her ability to focus on long-term strategy served her well.

“You’re always looking at the bigger picture,” she said. “Whether it’s 1987, 1994, 1999, you have the perspective that things go up and things go down. Leadership is about fine-tuning where the opportunities are, and not making knee-jerk reactions, but critically analyzing what’s happening around you.”

During her board tenure, Jones helped strengthen cybersecurity measures to better protect the Heart Association from evolving digital threats. She credits her fellow board members’ leadership in evaluating risks and identifying opportunities to enhance the organization’s cybersecurity framework.

“The role of the board is to have noses in and hands off,” she said. “It is our responsibility to ensure the organization is taking the necessary steps to prevent cyberattacks and reduce other technology-related risks.”

Improving organizational effectiveness was another priority. She focused on employee retention by supporting flexible work arrangements and expanding professional development resources. Investing in employees cuts down on turnover and controls costs, she said. The board also streamlined operations by reducing in-person meetings and increasing the use of technology for collaboration.

“All of these initiatives helped ensure the board was being a responsible steward of the resources available to us,” she said.

Today, Jones is retired from corporate life, but she remains active professionally. She co-founded Tier 1 Level Consulting, LLC with several former Merrill colleagues. The firm works with financial professionals to strengthen leadership skills and improve performance.

Outside of work, Jones remains active in her church and enjoys weekly mahjong games with friends. She also enjoys whitewater rafting, a hobby she said mirrors many of the challenges of leadership.

“It’s invigorating,” she said. “There are so many parallels to professional life, like charting a course, navigating the rough waters and staying calm no matter what happens.”

Her commitment to the Heart Association was strengthened two years ago after the loss of her husband, Roderick, to a heart attack. It was another deeply personal reminder of the organization’s mission.

“So not only do I have my dad looking over my shoulder,” she said. “I have my husband, too.

“I think they’re both smiling.”