Newport, RI – May 1, 2024 – Aquidneck Community Table (ACT), a leading voice and actor in Newport County on food-systems work, today announced the selection of Rose Jones as its new executive director. With over a decade of experience in State government, Jones is widely regarded for her leadership on statewide food-access planning prior to and during the Aquidneck Island gas outage in 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020/21.
As executive director, Jones will play a critical role in advancing ACT’s work to build a resilient and equitable food system on Aquidneck Island. Her prior experience in shaping Rhode Island’s first statewide food strategy and leading complex organizations and initiatives, positions her well to chart the course ahead for ACT.
Jones succeeds Bevan Linsley, founding executive director for ACT, who will continue to lead key development efforts for the organization. ACT – an outgrowth of Aquidneck Growers Market, Island Commons, and Sustainable Aquidneck – was formed in 2016 to coordinate efforts across the island to grow a sustainable local food economy and to promote healthy families and communities.
“The board of directors is delighted to welcome Rose as our new executive director,” said Laura O’Toole, chair. “ACT provides widely recognized market and garden programs that provide fresh, local food to our community, while inviting food citizens of all ages to learn, grow, eat, and connect. We are grateful for Bevan’s foundational leadership and are so pleased she will remain part of the team. We are equally excited to have an accomplished leader and innovator in Rose to lead us forward.”
ACT operates two established farmers markets and collaborates with the Newport Health Equity Zone on a third summer market in Miantonomi Park. ACT also manages numerous community and school gardens in Newport and Middletown and provides educational programming to promote food system change on the island. As part of a broader statewide coalition, ACT is intimately involved in the work to build an equitable and resilient food system in Rhode Island that honors our unique food traditions and strengthens our economy, environment, and people.
“I am thrilled to join ACT and continue the impressive work spearheaded by this organization,” said Jones. “Aquidneck Island, like our state as a whole, is known for its vibrant food scene and rich agricultural heritage. At the same time, a growing number of our families are experiencing food insecurity, while critical investments are needed to support our food and farming businesses and emergency preparedness on the island. I look forward to working with our local and statewide partners to ensure our island is a wonderful place to live, visit, and thrive for all for years to come.”
A native Rhode Islander, Jones has more than 20 years of experience leading and supporting diverse organizations, including as policy & public affairs director for the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health & Human Services (EOHHS) and director of the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging (OHA). EOHHS and OHA oversee an array of food and health programs for families across the state.