Jennifer (Jeni) Palmer is a Senior State Relations Associate. In this role, she helps lead the Center’s efforts to engage state policymakers through relationship building and collaboration with state and national partners. She supports outreach to state leaders, as well as the planning and facilitating of Center events.
Jeni’s interest in state policy began when she worked in the Iowa House of Representatives as a Legislative Clerk. She continued to serve state legislators and legislative staff in her role as a Senior Policy Specialist at the National Conference of State Legislatures. There she developed expertise in state early childhood policy, specifically child care and the early childhood workforce, by tracking legislation, authoring policy briefs and trend reports, and testifying to legislative committees. She planned, facilitated and presented at numerous learning opportunities for state legislators to delve into policy options to help young children and their families thrive.
Jeni earned her Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Certificate in Early Childhood Leadership from the University of Colorado Denver and Bachelor’s Degrees in Political Science and International Studies from the University of Iowa. Outside of work, you can find her exploring the outdoors in her home state of Colorado, cheering on one of her three kids at a soccer game or band performance, or singing her heart out at yet another John Mayer concert.
