Kelley Carpenter has joined JFS as its director of marketing and communications.

Carpenter will work closely with JFS Chief Development Officer Debbie Bass and the JFS marketing and communications team to promote the programming and services of JFS.

“Kelley’s expertise, experience and passion will be an excellent addition to JFS and our development and marketing team,” Bass said. “Our JFS staff, board, and volunteers share my enthusiasm in welcoming Kelley to our JFS family.”

Carpenter brings great compassion to her work. A first-generation college graduate, Carpenter grew up in poverty and has dedicated her career to giving back to the community to help lift up others.

“I am so excited to join the talented JFS team,” Carpenter said. “I am honored and humbled to work for an amazing agency that has provided such quality programs and services to our community for 120 years.”

Carpenter comes to JFS with 25 years of experience in nonprofit management. Most recently, Carpenter served as director of development and marketing for Cross-Lines Community Outreach. Prior to that, Carpenter served in various fundraising and marketing roles at local agencies including Legal Aid of Western Missouri, Sunflower House and Niles Home for Children.

Carpenter has received numerous awards for her marketing and communications work, including 11 Nonprofit Connect Philly Awards for nonprofit communications. She was also the producer of two regional Emmy-winning videos in 2020 and 2021. Carpenter serves as co-chair of the professional development committee of the Kansas City Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Before starting her career, Carpenter graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism and began her career as a newspaper journalist.