Development Staff

CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER

Jessica joined JFS as Chief Advancement Officer in June 2019. She relocated to Denver from San Francisco, where she spent the last 10 years as an accomplished fundraiser for the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco and Stern Grove Festival. Jessica has a real passion for philanthropy and looks forward to connecting donors to the incredible programs and services at JFS.

Jessica has a diverse background in leading fundraising departments, board and event committees, and program staff in the successful execution of vibrant campaigns, compelling proposals, and engaging fundraising events. Jessica has worked with a variety of stakeholders, including major donors; corporate partners; private, family, and community foundations; and government agencies to build and increase financial resources for dynamic nonprofits.

Prior to her development experiences, Jessica worked for several high-profile California politicians in various capacities. She received her master’s degree in political science from San Francisco State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Public Administration from California State University Chico. A Los Angeles native, she is thrilled to explore Colorado with her husband and son.

Contact Jessica.

LEGACY GIVING ADVISOR

Born and raised in Colorado, Amelia has nearly 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector.  She was previously the director of nonprofit funds and endowments at Rose Community Foundation, where she led the Foundation’s work supporting nearly 75 organizations in the establishment and growth of their endowment funds. In addition to her role at JFS, Amelia is the founder and principal at Fink Philanthropic Consulting, where she empowers nonprofits and community foundations to cultivate and retain more engaged, committed, and inspired supporters. 

In her free time, Amelia loves to garden, ski, bake, read, and spend time with her husband, two kids, and very scruffy dog.  

Contact Amelia.

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF MAJOR GIFTS

Jessica joined JFS as the Associate Director of Major Gifts in July of 2026, where she partners with donors and community members to build meaningful relationships and inspire philanthropic support for JFS programs and services.

Jessica brings more than 13 years of experience in Colorado's nonprofit sector, including fundraising and donor engagement leadership roles at Rocky Mountain PBS, Tennyson Center for Children, and Wish of a Lifetime from AARP. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about building authentic connections between donors and causes that create meaningful change for individuals, families, and communities.

Jessica enjoys spending time with family and friends, going for walks, and attending concerts and sporting events.

Contact Jessica.

ANNUAL GIVING MANAGER

Julie is a Colorado native and accomplished nonprofit leader with a distinguished career dedicated to philanthropy, community engagement, and nonprofit leadership. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her ability to connect people with purpose, inspire generosity, and build meaningful partnerships that create lasting impact.

Her professional experience spans pediatric hospice care, community outreach, corporate partnerships, and executive nonprofit leadership. Today, Julie serves as the Annual Giving Manager at JFS, where she manages a diverse portfolio of individual and corporate donors while helping advance the organization's $7.6 million annual fundraising strategy. Through thoughtful donor stewardship, corporate engagement, and strategic fundraising initiatives, she supports JFS's life-changing programs.

Julie is the proud mother of two grown children and feels deeply grateful they were raised with every opportunity to succeed. That gratitude fuels her passion for ensuring that children, families, and individuals facing adversity have access to the same opportunities to thrive. She believes every person deserves the chance to reach their full potential, and she is dedicated to helping make that possible through compassionate service, community partnership, and philanthropy.

Contact Julie.

DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTS

Kate is the Director of Special Events and joined JFS in October 2017. In her role Kate provides strategic direction, outreach, and planning for all events at JFS. Kate has a long commitment to events and the nonprofit sector. Prior to JFS, Kate was Director of Events at Morris Animal Foundation where she oversaw all Foundation-driven events and volunteer-driven peer to peer fundraising events.

Kate is a Colorado native and enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 kids, traveling, and riding her bike.

Contact Kate.