Committed to our communities: A Q&A with Regence executive and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho board member Scott Jones

By Lou Riepl
September 13, 2019
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Main photo: Regence's Lisa Rebman (left) and Scott Jones (center) along with RMHCI executive director Mindy Plumlee (right)

Although he’s spent his share of time on the sidelines, Scott Jones seems hard-wired to “get in the game” every chance he can. Before Scott turned his business and leadership skills to the insurance industry, he served as a teacher, administrator and youth sports coach for many years – earning election to the Washington State Coaches Hall of Fame. That same drive to get involved and make a difference prompted him to join the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho (RMHCI) team, where he serves on the board of directors. We talked with Scott during the Scentsy Rock-a-Thon fundraiser about his community service passion. His responses have been edited for length.

How long have you served on the RMHCI board?

I joined the board when I first came to Idaho in 2015. I was so inspired by the work that their Executive Director, Mindy Plumlee, was doing with her team and group of volunteers. I knew I wanted to be a part of an organization that had such a sincere, empathetic heart for families in need.

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Why Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho?

Monies raised for this organization go predominantly toward serving Idaho families in need. As you can imagine, it is so much more than Treasure Valley families. Our families come from all around the great state of Idaho. Idaho companies and individuals giving to care for one another.

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What have you learned from your board service experience?

Regence has been able to help in some very special ways over the years to assist with sharing the mission of the House and aiding in the effort to raise funds to help more families. The work of their staff is selfless, in that they give of their time as if this was their sole purpose here on Earth. I am inspired by the giving of the staff, board members and the supporting businesses. 

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Tell us about any projects or initiatives you’ve supported while on the board that you found particularly meaningful.

I participate as a leader of the marketing team currently, and we are uniquely tied to so many special events throughout the year. It’s inspiring to be around so many giving companies, individuals and families. Events like the annual golfing outing, the sporting clays, and this year’s Red Shoe Gala are just a few examples of the spirit of Idaho on display. Most memorable are the creative sessions of brainstorming and exploration of potential marketing initiatives. The creativity of the team and the unique ability of Mindy to manage the creative minds has been meaningful for the growth of the House and fun all at the same time.

Are there projects or initiatives ahead for RMHCI that you’re looking forward to leaning in on?           

We just opened The Family Room in Idaho Falls, and we’re driving toward completion of the new House in Boise. We will be able to help many more families in the coming year. This means that Mindy and team won’t have to turn away families in need of a place to rest while they have a child under care at the hospitals.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about joining a community-serving organization’s board, but hasn’t yet taken the plunge?

Find something that inspires you. Find an organization that you would consider an honor to serve. Join a group of people that is giving to the community in a loving way and enjoy the process. This, of course, is in addition to our real jobs; so, when it’s time to show up to serve – be ALL IN! What you have to give, is most likely exactly what the organization needs to serve our communities.

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