The WebArc Technologies team is growing! We are thrilled to introduce Michele Jones, who is now serving as our Chief Operations Officer here at WebArc. Michele’s wide array of experience within the WordPress community and her dedication to support, security, and inclusion align perfectly with our company’s values and aspirations.
The WordPress Maestro
Michele, affectionately known as Michele Butcher-Jones in the WordPress community, has over a decade of expertise in the WordPress realm. Michele has extensive experience working with agencies, plugins, and hosting companies, which makes her a valuable asset to our team. Her background in support and security ensures WebArc’s clients can rest assured that their online presence is in capable hands.
Before her immersion in the world of WordPress, Michele was a preschool teacher. For her, the love of teaching and helping others still runs deep. This passion for educating and helping others is a core aspect of her personality and an invaluable quality she brings to her role.
Hobbies and Interests
Michele’s enthusiasm for WordPress transcends her professional life and extends into her personal interests. She is deeply engaged in the WordPress community and promoting the Open Source Project. She loves to speak at WordCamps and was the documents release lead on the WordPress version 5.6 women-led release team. The team made history, marking the first time any major software release was led by an all women or non-binary team. She also enjoys advocating for youth in WordPress so that Open Source contributions like WordPress can live on in the next generations.
When Michele takes a break from her WordPress adventures, you can find her exploring her love for photography, relishing the outdoors, riding horses, enjoying a game of pool, globetrotting, or eating great food. Michele’s life is a whirlwind of activity, and she rarely slows down unless she’s asleep.
A Perfect Fit for WebArc
Michele’s journey intersects with WebArc through a connection with Tom Legens, our founder and CEO. While collaborating with Tom at a previous workplace, Michele really enjoyed his leadership style. With an alignment of values and the promise of growth within WebArc’s upward trajectory, it made the role a perfect fit for Michele, and we’re delighted to welcome her aboard.
A Journey Full of Growth and Innovation
Michele’s foray into WordPress began with the simple desire to write her own blog. Little did she know that this path would lead to a whole new career. Her friend, a developer working on a security plugin, offered to teach her WordPress, and the more she worked on her blog, the more she fell in love with the platform.
In 2012, Michele made the bold move to transition from being a preschool teacher to becoming a WordPress and security consultant. Her primary areas of focus included cleaning hacked websites, website maintenance, and teaching security best practices. Over the past decade, Michele has worked with reputable plugin companies, web agencies, and built her personal brand in WordPress consulting. Her professional growth is a testament to her adaptability and love for learning.
Michele’s Future with WebArc
Michele is looking forward to helping WebArc rise as a leading contender in building and maintaining WordPress websites. She is also looking forward to the company meetup next year to see everyone in person, in Las Vegas!
Michele is ready to work with all our clients to kickstart 2024 with a bang. Her wealth of knowledge, boundless enthusiasm, and commitment to excellence make her an ideal addition to our team. Welcome, Michele!
