Today we’d like to introduce you to Malcolm Jones.
Hi Malcolm, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I currently serve as the Executive Director of Rebuilding Together Richmond, a nonprofit organization that provides free home repairs for seniors, people with disabilities, and families with limited financial resources. I’ve been with the organization for over 11 years, but my journey in community service and engagement really began long before that.
I grew up in Roanoke, Virginia, where being involved in the community was just part of everyday life. I was active in my church, volunteered through youth programs, and participated in organizations such as the Key Club and the Salvation Army while in high school. Those early experiences really shaped my perspective and instilled in me a strong sense of service and responsibility to others.
When I moved to Richmond to attend Virginia Commonwealth University, I continued that pattern of community involvement. I served as a Resident Assistant, helping connect students to resources and fostering a sense of community in the residence halls. I also stayed active in church and volunteer work throughout the city.
After graduating from VCU with a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications with a concentration in Public Relations, I began working with a nonprofit that supported small, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses. My role focused on creating programs and events that helped those businesses thrive and connect with opportunities across the Richmond region. That experience allowed me to really understand the city’s landscape—its organizations, leaders, and communities.
In 2014, I joined Rebuilding Together Richmond as a Fund Development Assistant. At the time, my role focused on raising funds to purchase materials and supplies for home repair projects. Over the years, I grew within the organization and gained a deeper understanding of the work, the mission, and the people we serve.
Five years later, I was given the opportunity to step into the role of Executive Director at just 29 years old. It was truly a badge of honor and a responsibility that I take very seriously. Today, after more than a decade with the organization, I’m proud to say that I’ve been part of the team that has helped repair hundreds of homes across the Richmond region.
For me, the most rewarding part of the work is knowing that these repairs allow families to remain in the homes where they raised their children and built their lives. Being able to preserve that sense of stability and generational legacy for homeowners in our community is something I’m incredibly proud to be part of.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely has not been a completely smooth road. Like many people who work in the nonprofit sector, you quickly learn that you often have to wear many different hats. Resources are limited, and capacity can sometimes be stretched thin. A large part of the work involves raising funds to support the mission, and anyone who works in nonprofit leadership knows that not every grant proposal or funding request results in a “yes.” That can be challenging, but it also teaches resilience and creativity.
One of the most defining challenges in my career happened during my first year as Executive Director. In March of 2020, I was nearing the end of my first year in the role when the COVID-19 pandemic began to unfold. At the time, I remember telling my team to take their computers home because we would probably work remotely for two weeks. Of course, none of us realized that those two weeks would turn into more than six months away from the office.
The challenge was especially significant for our organization because our entire model is based on bringing people together. Volunteers work side by side to repair homes, and we interact closely with homeowners—many of whom are seniors or individuals with disabilities. Suddenly, the very thing that makes our work possible became a potential health risk.
There was no playbook for navigating that moment. As a relatively new Executive Director, it truly felt like trial by fire. However, one of the blessings during that time was the sense of grace and collaboration that existed across the nonprofit sector. Many of us faced the same uncertainties, and I connected with peers and colleagues who were navigating similar challenges.
We encouraged each other, shared ideas, and supported one another through both successes and setbacks. Looking back, that period strengthened my leadership skills and reinforced the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and staying grounded in the mission—even during uncertain times.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I serve as the Executive Director of Rebuilding Together Richmond, a local affiliate of the national Rebuilding Together network, which includes more than 100 affiliates nationwide. Our Richmond affiliate has been serving the community since 1992, and I’m incredibly proud to help lead an organization that has been making a difference in people’s lives for more than three decades.
Our mission is to repair homes and revitalize communities. We provide free home repairs for seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and families with limited financial resources so they can remain in their homes safely and with dignity.
My background in public relations and communications has played a major role in how I approach this work. A large part of my focus has been telling the story of the people we serve and helping others understand why this work matters. When people hear about free home repairs, it can sometimes sound too good to be true, but once they understand the impact, they see how meaningful it really is.
Over the years, I’ve become one of the organization’s primary voices and faces. That’s not something I view from an ego standpoint, but rather as a responsibility and a privilege. It’s a badge of honor to represent a mission that truly changes lives.
What I’m most proud of is the impact the organization continues to have in the community. During my time with Rebuilding Together Richmond, I’ve been part of the team that has helped repair hundreds of homes across the region. Each repair project helps a family remain in their home, maintain stability, and preserve a piece of generational wealth that might otherwise be lost.
At the end of the day, our work is about helping people remain in the places where their memories, families, and history live—and that’s something that continues to inspire me every day.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about Richmond is the strong sense of community that exists here. When I first moved here for college, it didn’t take long to find spaces where I felt connected. Whether through church, community events, or local organizations, Richmond is a city where people can quickly find opportunities to engage and build meaningful relationships.
I also really appreciate the city’s cultural energy. Richmond has a vibrant arts, music, and festival scene, and the James River provides a beautiful natural backdrop for outdoor enjoyment. Some of the best experiences in Richmond come from smaller, more intimate events—local performances, neighborhood festivals, and community gatherings that feel authentic and uniquely Richmond.
Another thing I enjoy about the city is the number of nonprofits and causes that people can get involved with. There are so many organizations working to improve different aspects of the community, and it’s easy to find opportunities that align with your interests and passions.
If there’s one thing I like least, it’s when the narrative about Richmond focuses only on the negative. Like any city, we face challenges, and issues like crime and violence are real concerns that impact families and neighborhoods. But sometimes those challenges overshadow the many positive things happening here every day.
Richmond is full of passionate people, creative energy, and community-driven initiatives. I believe the experience people have in a city is often shaped by the ways they choose to engage with it. When people get involved, support local initiatives, and connect with their neighbors, Richmond truly becomes a remarkable place to live.
Contact Info:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonesmj2/
