New Trustee Ron Jackson Couldn’t Say No to McLean

April 25, 2017

Children and their families is a theme that has run through Ron Jackson’s professional and philanthropic life.

McLean’s newest trustee spent a good portion of his career turning around toy companies. And he has always had a soft spot for organizations that focus on supporting society’s youngest and most vulnerable.

“I doubt there is any other board I would have said yes to at this point in my life,” said Jackson, the retired CEO of Fisher-Price, Inc. “My business career has been all about products for children and their families. McLean represents the pinnacle of excellence for the treatment of psychiatric illnesses affecting children and families.”

Jackson was introduced to McLean when a family member underwent treatment there and he was impressed with the care his loved one received. He got to know several clinicians, and he and his wife, Kathleen, became donors. Since then, Jackson has immersed himself in learning about McLean and psychiatric illness, and regularly attends the hospital’s Thursday afternoon Grand Rounds.

Ron Jackson
Ron Jackson, McLean’s newest member of the Board of Trustees

Jackson has sat on many boards over the years and believes that McLean’s is superb. One of the hospital’s next projects is to create a new strategic plan, something with which he has a lot of experience. “Given my interest in children’s issues, I hope that child and adolescent psychiatry will be a major thrust going forward,” he said.

Jackson and his wife are trustees of the Kathleen and Ronald J. Jackson Foundation. Before leading Fisher-Price, Jackson was president and chief executive of Kenner Parker Toys, Inc., and president and CEO of Stride Rite Corporation. Prior to that, he held various marketing and financial positions with General Mills, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Jackson holds BS and MBA degrees from Michigan State University.

“Ron is an exceptionally talented, seasoned and accomplished executive and leader,” noted McLean Board Chair David Barlow. “His compassion, insights, wisdom, generosity, and deep commitment to McLean’s mission will greatly benefit our board, community, and the patients and families we serve. We are delighted that Ron has joined our team and look forward to working together toward continued advances in psychiatric research, education, and clinical care.”

Topics

Media Requests

Journalist or member of the media? We are available 24/7 for media requests.