Prior to joining Every Texan, Jennifer was the Director of Finance for the Texas State Independent Living Council, Executive Director of Deaf Independent Living Association and the Executive Director of Georgia Council for the Hearing Impaired.  Her passion for the independent living movement led community advocates through several key legislative initiatives; drafting policies to access mental health services for the deaf and hard of hearing community, advocating for long term care services, initiating the establishment of the Telecommunication Equipment Distribution Program, securing state appropriated funds to open a Center for Independent Living in rural areas, and ensuring ones right to choose personal care attendants. 

Jennifer specialties include nonprofit fund accounting, leading financial departments through regulatory compliance reviews, forecasting, expense allocation, creating policies and internal controls, coordinating audit and desk reviews, and developing, monitoring, and evaluating multimillion dollar program and agency budgets.  She has extensive experience working with a variety of governmental agencies, private foundations, and individual donors.  She also has a background in human resources. 

Jennifer graduated with a Master of Public Administration degree from Texas State University as a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, a Master in Rehabilitation Counseling from San Diego State University and a bachelor’s in physical education from California State University, Fullerton. She is currently enrolled in the Master of Business Administration at McCoy College of Business at Texas State University. She is a lifelong learner and fluent in sign language.      

Jennifer is a member of the Rotary Club of San Marcos and has been a Rotarian for several years.  She became a Paul Harris Fellow plus one in July 2023.  She has had immeasurable service work on nonprofit boards and councils targeting special interest groups, such as Governor appointed Rehabilitation Councils in Maryland, Georgia and Tennessee. She served as the alternate regional representative for the National Association of Statewide Independent Living Councils, Inc.

Jennifer’s passion for breaking down barriers grew during her international travels. She lives in San Marcos with her little Chorkie, Abigail. When not working, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her daughter, swimming, riding her bike, participating in community service projects and listening to live entertainment in the parks.