As Chief Operating Officer, Jess Rist is responsible for the operational execution and strategic development of Human Resources, Marketing, Development, Facility Operations, and Quality and Compliance.
Jess brings years of both professional and personal experience in nonprofit fundraising and leadership. She has dedicated her life to fighting and advocating for causes important to her and her community including IBH Addiction Recovery, the National MS Society, the Alzheimer’s Association, OPEN M, and more. Jess earned a bachelor's degree from Kent State University, a master's degree from Ohio University, and is a graduate of Leadership Akron's Signature Program and Love Akron's Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) program.
Jess volunteers her time as the Chair of Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary Board of Directors, as a Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem for children who have experienced abuse or neglect, and for Love Akron's JEDI program.
