National Inventors Hall of Fame Appoints Monica Jones as New CEO to Further its Mission
Date September 5, 2025
Est. Reading Time 3 mins
NORTH CANTON, OH – Sept. 5, 2025 – The National Inventors Hall of Fame®, the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and sustaining American innovation, announced today the appointment of Monica Jones as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective Sept. 8. Jones succeeds Michael J. Oister, who stepped down as CEO after overseeing the organization’s significant growth for over 12 years.
Jones joined the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2011 and was named Chief Operating Officer in 2015. She has contributed to an annual revenue increase from $19 million in 2011 to over $50 million in 2024, as well as a 370% increase in children served annually through the organization’s nationwide invention education programs, from 82,000 in 2011 to 387,000 in 2024.
“I am honored to lead the National Inventors Hall of Fame as we commit to reaching even more children and introducing them to our Hall of Fame Inductees, who are relatable, innovative role models,” said Jones. “Every child, in every community across the country, needs to know that they belong in STEM and innovation, and that they can change the world through creative problem solving. Our entire Hall of Fame team is motivated to bring them the hands-on learning opportunities they need to develop that mindset, build their confidence, and reach their full potential.”
Board members are confident that Jones will build on her years of achievements at the National Inventors Hall of Fame as she leads the organization into its next era of growth and innovation.
“Monica has played an instrumental role in the growth of the National Inventors Hall of Fame,” said Oister. “It’s been my privilege to lead this organization. I know that as CEO, Monica will continue moving the mission forward in ways that will make a lasting difference for this country’s next great inventors and entrepreneurs, and for its innovation economy.”
Jones earned her Master of Business Administration degree from East Texas A&M University and Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Akron, and she is known for her dedication to future-focused leadership and empowerment through education.
About the National Inventors Hall of Fame
The National Inventors Hall of Fame is the premier nonprofit organization in America dedicated to recognizing inventors and invention, promoting creativity, and advancing the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship. Founded in 1973, the Hall of Fame is committed to not only honoring the individuals whose inventions have made the world a better place, but to ensuring American ingenuity continues to thrive in the hands of coming generations through its national, hands-on educational programming and collegiate competitions focused on the exploration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. For more information, visit invent.org. To nominate an inventor for Induction, visit invent.org/nominate.