Joined First Place: 2015

As Chief Impact and People Officer, Emily Jensen oversees both the day-to-day operations and the broad strategic vision of the full continuum of First Place programs, Talent, Training, and Contracts and Compliance departments. As a member of the executive team, she supports setting the agency’s strategic direction, shaping policy priorities, monitoring relevant shifts in the regional and national landscape, and developing the systems and relationships that will allow First Place to fully capture opportunities for expansion of its innovative, transformational model. Her role includes direct supervision of the Vice President of Programs, Vice President of Education and Employment, Vice President of Talent and Equity, and the Vice President of Contracts and Compliance.

Emily has a total of fifteen years of experience within the organization, having returned to First Place in 2015 after a previous term from 2007 to 2012. She originally joined the organization as the Regional Manager for Solano and Contra Costa Counties, later serving as Regional Director of Programs for Northern California and, mostly recently, Vice President of Programs. Emily has also worked with programs that serve vulnerable populations in Chicago, Illinois. She has a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with the Board of Behavioral Sciences in California.  Emily has two energetic and adventurous children, that she spends time cooking with and cheering them on at their numerous sporting events.