Foundation Staff

Jerry Kenney serves as program officer for regional capacity and community development. Jerry has launched multiple rural development initiatives for East Texas, including ConnectRURAL regional development hubs, the Rural Opportunity Catalyst for East Texas (ROC-ET) Initiative, the Rural East Texas Economic Opportunity Analysis, and a rural library digital navigation network. His writings on rural development and philanthropy can be found in Inside Philanthropy, Nonprofit Quarterly, and Daily Yonder.

In the United States and across the globe, Jerry has specialized in program design and development, particularly launching new social impact initiatives. Jerry started with classroom teaching and community development as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Armenia from 2007-2009. Based in the U.S., South Sudan, and South Africa, Jerry has served in key program leadership roles with Save the Children, Collaborative for Children, World Vision, and Texas A&M University. He has a Master of International Affairs from the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University and a bachelor’s from Austin College.