Jennifer Lindsey joins the Foundation as its first Director of Communications
Jennifer Lindsey has lived and worked in many places, but when she moved back to Oregon a decade ago, it felt like a homecoming. The new communications director for the Foundation, Jennifer is responsible for all internal and external communication efforts.
“It’s not about how many views we have on a website, or how many clicks we have on social media,” she says. “It’s about how communications effect change at a higher level. How do we talk to policy leaders and decision makers in ways that advance shared goals for rural kids and communities?”
We met with Jennifer to talk about her work and why she’s excited to be joining the Foundation.
Tell us a little about your background — where you come from.
I grew up in Kansas. My father worked with American Red Cross and my mom was a teacher. I have always been proud that they had important jobs that helped people. So much of my motivation stems from growing up in a service-oriented family.
Why did you decide to pursue communications?
When I first went to college, my dream was to be a journalist. I wanted to tell stories. I wanted to research and understand the world around me and to share that information with others as a reporter. After graduation, fate took me in a different direction. I started to work in communications and public affairs roles with global nonprofits having an impact all over the world, including Habitat for Humanity International, Catholic Relief Services and USAID. Through that work, I was able to hone skills in communicating across different cultures and lived experiences.
Where did that global journey take you?
I worked for many years in our nation’s capital and traveled to different parts of the world — including the Middle East and Africa. With Habitat for Humanity, my family and I moved to Bangkok, Thailand, where I led their signature volunteer and housebuilding event involving thousands of volunteers in five countries.
What did you learn from those experiences that will translate to your work with Foundation?
The Foundation’s approach to community building is very much centered in the ethos of “doing with, not for.” That’s how Habitat for Humanity works. They always talk about building homes with people, and not for people. It’s simple, but making that distinction is huge. It’s about meeting families where they’re at, making connections, and strengthening capacity and resources so that they get to where they want to be.
Trying a delicious snack of grilled corn with CARE and World Wildlife Fund colleagues in Iringa, Tanzania. (March 2023)
And how is it that you came to Oregon?
My husband and I lived in Eugene during the first part of my career but left for about 10 years to live and work in DC, Thailand and Kansas. As our son was getting ready to enter first grade, we talked about where we wanted him to grow up – where we wanted his hometown to be – and we knew it had to be Oregon. There is so much to appreciate about the beauty of this state.
What’s something our community should know about you and how you approach communications?
One of my favorite quotes is attributed to Jane Goodall. She said, “Only if we understand, will we care. Only if we care, will we help. Only if we help shall all be saved.” That quote has stayed with me through the last 20 years, and it’s what informs my communications approach. It always starts with making sure people understand the issues.
Any fun reads or activities in your spare time?
Two of my favorite books are The Kite Runner and Lonesome Dove. Very different stories and settings, but powerful prose. And for activities, my family loves being outdoors — skiing, hiking, biking — you name it. Soaking up the wonders of this place.
Jennifer hiking with her husband, Andy, and son, Gus.