About RISE Services Southern Corridor's Leadership
Barbara Tate, MS
Human Services–Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP) Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) Work Incentive Practitioner (WIP-C)
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Director | Consultant | Advocate
Barbara Tate is a seasoned human services executive, consultant, and advocate with more than 20 years of experience across the nonprofit, government, and human services sectors. She is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of RISE Services, where she provides strategic leadership in employment services, benefits planning, organizational development, and systems-level consulting.
Barbara has been a Human Services–Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP) since 2015, reflecting her advanced education, applied expertise, and commitment to professional excellence. She also holds credentials as a Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) and Work Incentive Practitioner, bringing deep subject-matter expertise in disability employment, public benefits, and work incentives.
Throughout her career, Barbara has led complex, multi-site organizations with a focus on strategic planning, financial management, regulatory compliance, and quality improvement. Her leadership experience includes overseeing accreditation processes, audits, and continuous performance improvement initiatives, as well as building high-performing interdisciplinary teams.
In addition to her role at RISE Services, Barbara serves as a CARF International Surveyor and Team Coordinator, conducting administrative and program surveys nationwide. She is frequently sought out for her practical, compliance-driven approach to service design, benefits planning, and organizational sustainability.
Barbara holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice (Behavior Analysis) from Saint Joseph’s University, a Bachelor of Science in Administration of Justice from George Mason University, and an Executive Leadership Certificate from Cornell University. Her work is grounded in a strong commitment to empowering individuals, strengthening service systems, and advancing ethical, effective human services practice.
Heather Lynn Jones
Chief Operating Officer
Heather Lynn Jones has served as the Chief Operating Officer of RISE Services since 2020, bringing a strong background in education, supported employment, and human services operations. She plays a central role in overseeing day-to-day operations, staff performance, and service quality across the organization.
Heather’s professional experience includes leadership roles in supported employment and vocational services, where she has supervised staff, coordinated service delivery, ensured regulatory compliance, and supported individuals with disabilities in achieving meaningful employment outcomes. Her work emphasizes person-centered practices, staff development, and data-informed decision-making.
Heather also brings a strong foundation in education and special education, having worked as a licensed teacher and classroom professional supporting students with diverse learning needs. This background informs her systems-oriented approach to training, operational oversight, and continuous improvement.
Heather holds a Master’s degree in Special Education from Michigan State University and has completed advanced coursework in learning disabilities, language disorders, and applied instructional strategies. As COO, she is responsible for translating RISE Services’ mission into effective operational systems while ensuring compliance with funding and accreditation standards.
