Dissertation: "A survey analysis of the impact of residency requirements on municipal employees in Illinois"

Hometown:  Salt Lake City, Utah

Undergraduate Institution and Major:  BA, Liberal Studies, Park University

Graduate Institutions and Major:  Master of Public Affairs, Public Management, Park University, Hauptman School of Public Affairs

Doctor of Public Administration, University of Illinois, Springfield

Bio:  Prior to her current position as a Methods & Procedures Advisor with the Illinois Department of Public Health, Jennifer worked for The Holt Group, Inc., a civil engineering, planning and surveying firm processing development plans and entitlements through local, state, and federal agencies.  Prior to joining The Holt Group, Jennifer served as the Planning Director for the City of Blythe, California, where she started her public service career after serving honorably in the United State Marine Corps.  During her six-year tenure as Planning Director, Jennifer worked to meet the needs of community stakeholders while preserving and protecting sensitive environmental resources. Jennifer has a strong public-interest orientation and is commitment to working in a capacity that enhances both the natural and human-built environments while promoting democratic values and principles.

Research Interest:  Public policy and management in local government, public service ethics,  Community Experience Framework in the municipal context, public service motivation, and organizational citizenship behaviors.

Relevant Professional Experience: 

Methods & Procedures Advisor, Illinois Department of Public Health (October 2018 – Present); Office Specialist, Illinois Department of Healthcare & Family Services (September 2017 – September 2018); Office Clerk, Illinois Department of Healthcare & Family Services (September 2016 – August 2017); Jennifer Wellman Consulting, (May 2016 – Present); Senior Planner/Project Manager, The Holt Group, Inc. (August 2010 – May 2016);  Planning Director, City of Blythe, California (March 2003 – February 2009); Associate Planner, City of Blythe, California (July 1999 – February 2003); Assistant Planner, City of Blythe, California (July 1997 – July 1999); Office Assistant II/Code Enforcement Technician, City of Blythe, California (July 1996 – July 1997); Office Assistant, City of Blythe, California (September 1995 – June 1996).

Professional Associations:  American Society for Public Administration; American Institute of Certified Planners; American Planning Association; Illinois Chapter American Planning Association; Woman Marine Association.

Honors and Awards:

Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society Inductee (2016); Passed with Distinction on Oral Comprehensive Exam (2012); Certificate of Appreciation, City of Blythe Colleagues (2009); Certificate of Appreciation, Blythe Yellow Ribbon Committee (2008); Letter of Appreciation, Blythe City Council (2006); Certificate of Appreciation, Mid-Management Unit Colleagues (2001); Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition, Congresswoman Mary Bono ( 2000);  Recognition of Outstanding Contributions, Riverside County Board of Supervisors (2000); Certificate of Special Recognition, Blythe City Council (2000); Suma Cum Laude (2000).