Foundation Staff
Jennifer J. Maxwell is the Executive Director of the Warrick Dunn Charities where she works to promote its image in the local community and nation by utilizing her skills in finance, fundraising development, operations, strategic planning, human resources, programs, public and donor relations. Her leadership ability has given her the know-how and ambition to take on program-expanding efforts in collaboration with the Board of Directors. She works closely with all members of the organization, from the founder to the volunteers, and she facilitates community and public relations initiatives both locally and nationally.
Jennifer joined the Foundation after serving three and one-half years as the President & CEO of the Police Athletic League of St. Petersburg. In that capacity, she also functioned as the Program Director for the South County Truancy Interdiction Center, a collaborative effort between the Juvenile Welfare Board, the St. Petersburg Police Department, Family Resources and Pinellas County Schools.
Jennifer’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in Special Education from the University of Central Florida and a master’s degree in Exceptional Education from the University of South Florida. Following graduate school Jennifer moved to London, England where she worked at the West London YMCA in the Housing and Accommodations Office as Program Director for asylum seekers and refugees attempting to re-enter the workforce. Upon returning to the States, Jennifer continued her career as a teacher of students with disabilities and moved into the not-for-profit sector in 2006. Jennifer graduated from The University of Tampa’s College of Business with a certificate in Non-Profit Management & Innovation in September 2008. She holds an active Florida Teaching Certificate as well as a Florida Department of Children and Families Childcare Director Credential. Jennifer was recognized for her leadership in the Tampa Bay Area community in 2008 as the recipient of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals’ Nonprofit Leader of the Year award as well as being named one of the 2008 Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Up & Comers. Jennifer was most recently nominated for the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce 2009 Community Service Woman of the Year award.
In addition to her professional work, Jennifer serves in a number of volunteer capacities. She currently holds a position on the Tampa Bay Watch Advisory Board and is a member of the University of South Florida Corporate Mentor Program. Jennifer has been a member of the Junior League of St. Petersburg since 2001 and served as its President in 2008-2009. She is also a past Board member and current committee member of both the Pinellas Education Foundation and Clothes to Kids organizations. Jennifer was a member of the Leadership St. Pete Class of 2007 where she functioned as its class project coordinator. She is also a volunteer for Pinellas County Schools as well as being a former mentor for the Gulf Coast Community Care Adults Mentoring Kids program.
