President & CEO
Jim Loveless brings to Job Point 32 years of exemplary leadership experience. Jim retired in 2007 after a 32-year career with the MissouriDepartment of Conservation, which included management of all conservation areas in Central Missouri. He has continued to serve in a part-time capacity as Special Assistant to the Director of the Department and also as adjunct faculty at Columbia College.
Jim has been a part of the Columbia community since he came to attend the University of Missouri in the mid 1960’s. He and his wife, Connie, also an MU graduate and former Columbia Public School teacher, raised their two daughters here in Columbia and now enjoy the pleasure of grandparenthood to their three grandchildren who are also Columbians. Their younger daughter lives in the Greenwich Village section of New York City.
Among his many community volunteer activities, he served three terms on the Columbia City Council, the Library Board of Trustee, the Parks and Recreation Commission and is an active Board member of the Central Missouri Humane Society. Jim is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys a variety of outdoor sports as well as camping and canoeing. Vacations in the Boundary Waters Wilderness Canoe Area with camping gear, fishing gear, canoes and favorite friends are highlights of his year. He and Connie are active members of the Columbia United Church of Christ.
“Jim’s life and career exemplify the values that Job Point embraces: honesty, integrity and service to others. The Board looks forward to assisting him as he and staff members build on the excellent foundation he inherits,” according to Board Chair Jim Robertson. Mr. Loveless states,” I am delighted to become part of the Job Point family. It is inspiring to find a staff and Board of Directors so passionate and dedicated to helping people improve their lives by preparing them for and helping them find jobs. I appreciate the Directors’ vote of confidence in appointing me President of this excellent organization and I look forward to helping Job Point continue to be Missouri’s premier employment center.”
Vice Pres
ident
Nancy Silver has 33 years experience in the rehabilitation field, 24 of which she has been on staff at Job Point. She is responsible for overall management of financial services, information technologies, human resources, marketing, research and development activities and office support. Nancy has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Missouri and is certified in Adult Basic Education and Rehabilitation Administration. She is a highly skilled grant writer, helping secure over $4 million for Job Point in fiscal year 2010. Nancy is highly respected both within the community and among her peers, having been honored as Job Point’s Employee of the Year three times during her tenu
re.
Chief Financial Officer
Jan Ruess has 34 years experience in accounting, and has been with Job Point 9 years. She holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration, graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of Tennessee at Martin. Jan’s competence and diligence in accounting methods is regularly validated by Job Point’s independent auditor.
Director of Rehabilitation Services
Mark Eye
has 20 years experience in providing vocational evaluation, career assessment and employment services. His 17 years with Job Point include 5 years as project director for our federal grant promoting training and job placement of persons with disabilities. Mark’s Bachelor’s of Science degree in Rehabilitation Psychology is coupled with a Masters Degree, specializing in vocational evaluation. Mark Eye is a man of his word and a team player who helps out, regardless how big or small the charge. Leading by example and prudent management have earned Mark the utmost respect from his colleagues. Mark is skilled at maintaining employee morale and is often recognized by his counterparts. In the words of one of his coworkers, and I quote, “Mark is patient, dependable and selfless and encourages us to always do our best”.
Director of YouthBuild, Reentry and Affordable Housing
Gary Taylor has an unmatched commitment and compassion for re-engaging young people to lead produ
ctive and self-satisfying lives. He is steadfast in the underlying program philosophy of transformation of young lives as a result of program participation and focuses all efforts to this end. In Gary’s words, “My mother taught me that breaking the bonds of poverty is a long, tough process, but anything is possible with a little assistance and encouragement from others.” Mr. Taylor is active on youth councils at a local, state and national level. He is a true visionary who not only possesses the skills, knowledge and abilities to lead this charge, but also the forward thinking to ensure Job Point’s programs are on the cutting edge. He possesses a Bachelor’s degree and 19 years experience in job training and placement of both youth and adults and has served as Job Point’s Director of YouthBuild since its inception in 2003.
Job Point staff are highly trained and qualified. The President, Director of Rehabilitation, and Director of YouthBuild, Re-entry and Affordable Housing combined have 73 years experience in rehabilitation and employment services. Advisors and Evaluators hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation or similar field and related experience. Job Developers have a Bachelor’s degree in business, human resources, marketing, rehabilitation or a related field and two years of professional experience. Instructors are required to hold a Bachelor’s in Education or related field or at least 3 years professional experience. Employment Consultants are required to have a high school diploma or equivalent, with 3 years work experience. Related work experience may be substituted for educational qualifications.
A valid Class E Missouri driver’s license, excellent driving record, certification in Crises Prevention Intervention, First Aid and CPR is required of all professional services staff. Background checks conducted on all new staff include verification of Social Security Number, criminal check, sex offender registry, driving records upon employment (twice per year thereafter), and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Worker Registration. These are periodically re-checked.
