As Chief Operating Officer of the Knox Education Foundation (KEF), Jill leads organizational operations, strategy execution, and performance measurement efforts to advance initiatives that advocate for student success across Knox County. She works closely with leadership and the Board of Directors to translate strategic priorities into actionable plans, ensuring alignment, accountability, and coordination across initiatives, partnerships, and resources to maximize community impact. Jill plays a key role in guiding strategic initiatives, strengthening organizational effectiveness, and fostering collaboration with funders, district leaders, and community partners.

Jill began her career as an elementary school teacher in Kentucky and Arizona before moving to Knoxville in 2010, where she gained leadership experience in nonprofit organizations supporting youth mental health services and domestic violence prevention. Driven to return to education-focused work, she joined KEF — then known as Great Schools Partnership — in 2015 as the founding Community School Site Coordinator at Beaumont Magnet Academy. Since then, she has served in several leadership roles within KEF, including Executive Liaison to the CEO and Director of Special Projects, contributing to the organization’s growth and strategic evolution.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Murray State University and remains actively engaged in the community through school and nonprofit volunteer leadership.

Jill lives in Knoxville with her husband, James, and their two children, who attend Knox County Schools. Outside of work, she enjoys supporting her children’s activities, spending time outdoors, and reading.