Biography
Jennifer began her career as a registered nurse with a specialty in critical care. She moved into a sales role at a large pharmaceutical company, eventually accepting a leadership position in the Sales Training Department. There, she discovered a passion for developing individuals’ and organizations’ capabilities for success.
For over twenty years, she worked as a consultant with Development Dimensions International (DDI), a global leadership consulting firm, providing services such as leadership and organizational assessment, behavioral interviewing, strategic planning, coaching, and leadership development. Her work included projects with organizations such as Johnson & Johnson, Roche, BASF, FAA, and SAIC.
Toward the end of her career, a connection with a nonprofit organization in Maryland led her to accept a board position, and later, a staff role as Director of Education for the Maryland Coalition of Families. She worked with the board on advocacy and policy issues, developed curriculum, and led intensive workshops to educate families about systems of care. She collaborated with other Maryland agencies to execute the organization’s mission of empowering families of young people with mental health issues and substance use disorders.
After retiring, Jen and her husband moved to Lewes, Delaware. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she faced the challenge of caring for her aging father, who lived alone without access to resources. After he passed away, alone and in a facility, Jen discovered Village Volunteers. Through the Village, she has the opportunity to serve older adults so they can live independently in their own homes as long as possible. She is grateful for the organization and the many volunteers who generously give their time and energy to make a difference.