Nonprofit people in the news

Mike Jones takes over at ATRC of Hawai‘i

J. Michael Jones has been named to lead the Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawai‘i. Jones was born and raised in rural Georgia, where he lived on a sugar cane farm until moving to Alabama to attend high school. He was educated at Auburn University, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation, and at the University of Alabama, where he earned a Masters degree in counseling. In 2008, he anticipates receiving a Ph.D. in Vocational Rehabilitation from Auburn, where he has been an instructor in the Department of Rehabilitation and Special Ed for five years. Jones has also been an instructor of technology, counseling and operated a statewide technology center. His personal mission is to help others achieve freedom from their disabilities and to promote integrity, quality and community in all he does. His greatest passion is being a dad for his daughter Laura, who is 13.

Greg Payton will lead Mental Health Kokua

Mental Health Kokua, which specializes in recovery services for adults with mental illness in Hawaii, has announced that Greg Payton has been selected as CEO to succeed Joanne Lundstrom, who held that position for 27 years. Previously, Payton was regional manager for Kaiser Behavior Health Services and has 25 years of mental health experience, includinh 20 years in a leardership role. Payton holds a Master's degrees in Psychology and Business Administration and has been a Hawaii resident for 13 years. "I'm thrilled to be transitioning back to the community and mental health," he said. "It's nice to return to working with such a resilient and courageous population."