The Jones Center
Emily Ironside has a diverse range of work experience spanning from 2004 to 2023. Emily has worked in various roles and organizations, showcasing their skills in fundraising, philanthropy, management, and program development.
Emily's most recent position was as the Chief Development Officer at The Jones Center, where they led operational fundraising and capital campaign strategies. Prior to that, they worked at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, starting as a Director of Development and eventually becoming the Head of Philanthropic Strategy. In these roles, they oversaw major gifts programs, managed teams, and implemented strategies to engage donors and support the museum's mission.
Before their time at Crystal Bridges, Emily worked as the Annual Giving Manager at Walton Arts Center and Walmart AMP, where they successfully increased donations through various fundraising strategies. Emily also gained experience in international student advising at the University of Arkansas and served as the Volunteer Coordinator for an Arkansas State House primary campaign.
Emily's earlier experiences include working as the International Recruiting Coordinator for International People Division at Walmart and as the Director of International Programs at YMCA of the Rockies. In these roles, they focused on talent acquisition, training, and strategic planning.
Overall, Emily Ironside's work experience demonstrates their expertise in fundraising, leadership, and program management in both nonprofit and corporate settings.
Emily Ironside has a comprehensive education history. Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications/Public Relations with a minor in Spanish, summa cum laude, from Lindenwood University. In 2002, they also pursued a Study Abroad program at the Universitat d'Alacant, focusing on Intermediate Spanish Language and Culture. Subsequently, Emily pursued a Master of Arts degree in Communication at the University of Arkansas, which they completed between 2009 and 2011. Prior to their higher education, Emily attended Rogers High School, although the specific duration and field of study are unspecified.
Furthermore, Emily Ironside holds a YMCA Director Certification from YMCA USA, although the details of when they obtained this certification are unavailable.
The Jones Center
The Jones Center is a regional destination in downtown Springdale where everyone can learn, play and thrive. The 220,000 square-foot center features Northwest Arkansas’ only indoor ice arena — an important amenity for the growing region — as well as the Tyson Foods Fitness Center, an indoor pools complex, a gymnasium with indoor track and a conference center. The Jones Center hosts arts, cultural and STEM-based programming that celebrates the diversity of the region, as well as classes for youth in sports, recreation and education. The center’s 50+ acre campus features the world-class Runway Bike Park and Velosolutions pump track and provides housing and collaborative space for dozens of regional nonprofits. The Center was founded in 1995 by Springdale philanthropist Bernice Jones, the wife of Jones Truck Lines founder Harvey Jones. The Jones Center continues to follow Bernice Jones’ vision of being a destination where all are welcome and no one is turned away based on their ability to pay. Through the generous support of the Walmart Foundation, The Jones Center proudly provides program scholarships and activity passes to area children and families. To learn more about The Jones Center, visit thejonescenter.net.