Profile: Sheri Chaney Jones

Meet Sheri Chaney Jones. President and CEO of SureImpact.

Name: Sheri Chaney Jones

Job: President and CEO of SureImpact

City: Powell

Q: What do you do at SureImpact?
SureImpact is a technology firm devoted to empowering mission-driven organizations to manage, measure, and communicate their unique social impact. Our cloud-based software platform enables day to day case management and data collection, while also connecting all members of the social-sector ecosystem with real-time data visibility.

Q: What’s a problem you're working to solve? 
Many social-sector organizations struggle with tracking and demonstrating who they serve, how well they serve them, and how their services are changing lives and changing circumstances. The lack of insight into their work makes it difficult to make innovative, data-driven decisions for improving programs and services that are designed to address some of our communities’ most complex problems (i.e. poverty, health inequities, affordable housing, etc.).  

SureImpact uses technology to removes the barriers nonprofit and government organizations typical face to help them deliver more effective services and demonstrate their impact to donors and other funders.  

Q: What’s a lesson you’ve learned that's shaped your work? 
The lesson that has shaped my work the most is the importance of truly understanding the pain points and needs of the customer and the ecosystem that surrounds the customer. Because of my background as a researcher, it was natural for me to listen closely to our stakeholders and customers as I became an entrepreneur. As I have learned about more entrepreneurs, I have discovered that not all businesses work this way. 

Q: What’s a trend in technology or innovation that doesn’t get enough attention? 
There are many exciting advances in technology, but what is even more important than features and functions is what the technology lets customers do. As a society, we need to focus more on how technology can be used to drive social change in our communities. 

Q: What’s one moonshot idea that could help make Ohio a world leader in technology and innovation? 
All social sector programs have a product like SureImpact to help them measure and communicate their efficiency and effectiveness so we can make decisions and investments into social programs that really work.  

Q: What’s a recent book, podcast or news story that you found interesting? 
My current favorite is the podcast “Be Bolder” by Lindsay Karas Stencel. Her podcast focuses on how living your authentic life will lead to success in life and business. It’s interesting because she gives a real and honest assessment of what it takes to successful in the start-up space, especially for women-led startups, and Lindsay and her guests provides motivation and encouragement for being a leader in the space.

Q: What's your favorite place in Ohio? 
My favorite place in Ohio is Lake Buckhorn, a private lake on the outskirts of Millersberg, Ohio. 

Q: What makes Ohio special to you?  
Ohio is special because of its kind, helpful, and collaborative approach to community, especially in the start-up space. Ohio entrepreneurs truly want to see other Ohio entrepreneurs succeed and they lend their connections and advice opening.  And, of course, The Ohio State Buckeyes. 

Connect with Sheri on LinkedIn.