Jenn started May 6 as Arkansa’s single Parent Scholarship Fund’s third CEO. The native Arkansas has over 17 years of experience in fundraising, marketing, communication and public relations. Get to know our new leader in this question and questions!
Hometown: Pocahontas
Current city: Conway
Family: Jenn and her husband, Jeremy, raise two children
Education:
Last position: Director of Development, Hendrix College
Why did you apply to become CEO of ASPSF?
I have worked in nonprofit organizations for almost 20 years, and – for almost half of that time – in higher education. I cannot exaggerate the value of education. I have been lucky to have some incredible experiences and opportunities that work at Hendrix College, which I am eternally grateful and proud of.
For some time now I have been ready to take the plunge to a new role that gives me new and different experiences and opportunities to borrow my skill set. The CEO of ASPSF is the right opportunity at the right time for the right reasons.
It is important to me that I contribute to an organization that is doing well in the world, and Aspf’s mission inspires and motivates me. It is such a privilege to be chosen for this role that follows in the footsteps of Ruthanne and all that she has done.
What are you most excited about in your new role?
ASPSF has an incredible purpose and it is clear to see that the staff and the board are working hard to reach their mission. I am excited to bring fresh perspective and knowledge to build on its strong foundation and help grow the organization. There is so much upside with this option that it is difficult to narrow it to one thing!
What do you love about the ASPSF mission?
I grew up in a single household, so I understand a little about the challenges that single parents face. Education is so powerful and it was a lifeline for me.
Education can transform generations. By strengthening single parents through education and support, we can improve life, not only today, but for the future. The work we are doing today for single parents can affect positive, lasting changes in future generations, and that is something that really inspires me.
What is your proudest achievement?
I put a tremendous pride in my family and the ways in which we love and support each other every day. But apart from my husband and children, my own education is my proudest performance. I am a first generation student, and on one side of my family I am the only one who has completed college, so serving my degrees felt like a win for my whole family. I hope it has inspired others in my family and I know that my education has improved my life and life for those around me.
Which three words describe you best?
1) determined
2) authentic
3) adaptable
Do you have any hobbies?
I love to read, cook and bake. I am also a lot of volunteer, so apart from work and family, my volunteer endeavors take most of my time.
What about someone furry friends?
We have a resident – a bulldog/terrier mix named Stella, which we adopted from Conway Animal Welfare. She is about five and her appearance has been compared to a gargoyle, ha ha!
We currently have a one -year -old English mastiff, which we promote through the Great Plains Mastiff Rescue. She’s a big dog and I know her perfect forever family is out there!
Which book are you reading now?
Miracle in Andes Mountains: 72 days on the mountain and my long wandering home by Nando Parrado
What is your go-to karaoke song?
Missed the boat of modest mouse
What other small terents would you like to share?
I have served as a general member and in leadership roles in several nonprofit boards in the last 15 years. For the last nine, I have been a member of a board that serves abused and neglected children in Central Arkansas.
I feel to earn on both sides of the table – as a board member and as an employee of nonprofit and higher education organizations – will be useful in this role because I understand the expectations, the challenges and strengths from both sides.