Jessica Rogers, MS

Jessica Rogers is the Vice President of Philanthropy at Children First, where she leads efforts to secure support for early childhood education, family strengthening, and poverty reduction. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, she represents the agency at local, state, and national levels. Jessica is dedicated to supporting vulnerable communities and enhancing the work of early childhood educators through resource development and salary improvement. Under her leadership, Children First has seen significant advancements in fundraising and outreach, including the largest expansion of family strengthening services in the agency's history. This includes the Parent Training Program, which helps parents develop careers within the agency and local partners, empowering them to improve their families' lives and financial stability. Jessica also spearheaded the expansion of mental health programs following COVID-19, helping to build resilience for children, families, and employees. These initiatives have strengthened Children First's national reputation for excellence within the National Head Start Association.

Over the past seven years, Jessica’s leadership has garnered numerous awards for Children First, including recognition by The Nonprofit Times as one of the Top 50 Best Nonprofits to work for, WEDU PBS Nonprofit of the Year, and as a Top Workplace in Sarasota-Manatee for six consecutive years. In 2020, she was nominated for the National Head Start Association’s BOLD Leadership Award for her outstanding leadership during the pandemic. Jessica is deeply involved in community service. She has been an active member of the Junior League of Sarasota for nearly 20 years, holding leadership roles including Chair of the Legacy Luncheon and Recording Secretary on the Board of Directors. She received the League’s 2019 Sustainer Community Service Award for her contributions to the community.

Additionally, Jessica serves on the Sarasota County NAACP’s Freedom Awards Banquet committee and is a past chair of the NCJW Sarasota-Manatee’s scholarship program. Earlier this year, she was honored with the NCJW’s Woman in Power Award. A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi with an MS in Speech Communication, Jessica is certified in Nonprofit Leadership & Management. She is also a graduate of the Leadership Academy and the Leadership Program at the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.