Laura currently works as the Operations Manager in Sports Development for USA Field Hockey. Laura enables growth programs like Discover Field Hockey, the USA Field Hockey Equipment Shop, Mobile Coach and State Chapters among various other initiatives. Primarily, Laura is tasked with advancing operational engagement methods and programs to serve the growth of field hockey.
Laura is also enjoying a second career as an Education Advocate, serving students and families who face issues with education. She was named to The Governors Task Force for Special Education Reform - 2015 to 2018 (Michigan) and helped to create the state reform for seclusion and restraint. Laura was instrumental in working with the legislature and former Lt. Governor Calley to maintain standards IDEA Eligibility in Michigan. (2015). Laura continues to lobby for education policy reform.
Laura's background includes leading the startup of a successful new automotive business division in the automation & identification industry for National Paper & Packaging. During this launch, Laura invented and received a patent for a new identification automation technology, which spurred the growth of that division. Laura built on her experience in the material science divisions of several companies, focused on covert identification, automation and emerging technologies. She is a former member and presenter at the International Association of Automotive Investigators and a recognized SME by the US Army.
Her connections to field hockey are familial: daughter Maggie, from Dexter, MI is carrying on the family tradition of her aunts, Deanna Jones (Smith Academy), Jessica Jones (All American, Smith College), grandmother SueEllen Jones (Brown), and Great Grandmother Victoria Brown (Nicsevic) all from the field hockey town of Hatfield, Massachusetts.
