SHECP Announces Jen Handy as New Executive Director

The Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Poverty (SHECP) is pleased to announce that Jen Handy has been named as Executive Director. Jen steps into this role after serving as SHECP’s Associate Director and, most recently, Interim Executive Director. Since joining the team in 2021, she has expanded SHECP’s programming, including multiple virtual event series and the Policy and Nonprofit Leadership Internship, strengthened organizational systems, and deepened engagement with member campuses and community partners.

“Jen’s creative and intentional leadership have continued to evolve the SHECP organization in a way that uplifts our mission. Her knowledge, integrity, passion, and commitment to working alongside others are pivotal in how SHECP continues to thrive,” said Tiffanie Spencer, Chair of the SHECP Governing Board. Jen also brings extensive experience in the nonprofit sector, with a background in program leadership, community partnership development, and mission-driven organizational work.

Reflecting on her new role, Jen shared, “SHECP is uniquely situated at the intersection of poverty studies, experiential learning, and community programming. It is an honor to work alongside educators, students, and practitioners who are deeply committed to understanding and addressing poverty in meaningful, community-centered ways.”

Jen’s appointment comes at a time when the Consortium is engaged in thoughtful conversations about its goals and vision for the years ahead. Howard Pickett, SHECP Council Member and director of the poverty studies program at Washington and Lee University, noted, “SHECP is lucky to have Jen at the helm. Thanks to her years of experience in non-profit leadership and her deep respect for careful academic research, Jen is remarkably well-suited to lead the consortium in the coming years.”