Board Member
Vice Mayor
Tempe, AZ
The daughter of a former mayor in her native Nebraska, Jennifer has had a lifelong commitment to public service.
Jennifer served the city as an employee for 29 years. She worked in three departments over her career. Her career began in Community Services as a marriage and family counselor. After 14 years she moved to the Public Works Department in various managerial roles. She managed finances, employees and played a key role in conflict resolution as Tempe’s Deputy Public Works Director. In 2010, she became the Facilities Maintenance Manager where she managed a $7.5 million operating budget and oversaw a multi-million dollar Capital Improvement Program.
She is a graduate of Arizona State University and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Jennifer has a Master’s Degree in Social Work. She is certified as a Sustainability Professional, Arbitration Mediator and Life Coach.
In 2013, Jennifer was elected President of the American Public Works Association (APWA) Board of Directors, Arizona Chapter. She founded the National APWA Young Professionals Program, Chaired the National and Arizona APWA Diversity Committees and was a member of the National APWA Center for Sustainability.
Jennifer is passionate about her community. She knocked on thousands of doors while campaigning for Tempe City Council. She is a member of the Tempe Kiwanis Club, Assistance League of East Valley and has volunteered at many local community agencies.
She is not afraid to get her hands dirty. Jennifer has a broad scope with community involvement–which includes participating in Tempe’s litter and graffiti cleanup, planting trees in Tempe parks and assisting with 4-H activities.
She loves horses, has rescued three cats and most recently rescued a puppy.