With over 15 years of experience, Jess serves as Ford NGL’s Marketing and Communications Director, leading efforts to advance the community-connected movement and elevate the brand. Her commitment to transforming education stems from her own experiences as a student who often felt boxed in by traditional schooling, repeatedly asking, “Why am I learning this?” Through leadership opportunities outside of school and mentorship, she discovered how to blend her skills and interests into a path that felt authentic. Today, she channels these insights into Ford NGL, crafting strategies that drive meaningful impact across the network.
Jess’s expertise is further shaped by her time with Smithbucklin, a leading global association management firm, where she managed brand marketing for clients in the sciences and healthcare sectors. She has also participated in the Allstate Foundation’s Executive Leadership Program—a powerful learning experience developed in partnership with the Kellogg School Center for Nonprofit Management at Northwestern University. Additionally, Jess was selected for the distinguished Adweek Executive Mentor Program and was honored with Advertising Week’s The Future Is Female award, recognizing her dedication and impact in the field.
With a focus on innovation, Jess stays attuned to the evolving marcoms landscape, overseeing Ford NGL’s brand, marketing, and communications strategies, from digital marketing and branding to media relations, advertising, content development, event marketing, and strategic storytelling.
And for a touch of nostalgia, Jess fondly recalls her quirky start at GameStop, pushing games before it became Wall Street’s hot topic—a memory that still brings a smile to her face and reminds her to enjoy the journey and keep an open mind.
