Jennifer Zarek
About Jennifer Zarek
Jennifer Zarek is an Implementation Team Lead at AmpliFund, where she has worked since 2023. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Spanish from Hastings College and a Master's degree in Economics from Iowa State University, along with certifications in grants management and Lean Six Sigma.
Work at AmpliFund
Jennifer Zarek currently serves as the Implementation Team Lead at AmpliFund, a role she has held since 2023. In this position, she focuses on facilitating the successful implementation of grant management solutions for clients. Her experience as a former client of AmpliFund provides her with unique insights into client needs and expectations. This background enhances her ability to lead projects effectively and ensure a smooth transition for new users of the platform.
Education and Expertise
Jennifer Zarek holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Spanish from Hastings College. She furthered her education by obtaining a Master's degree in Economics from Iowa State University. In addition to her academic qualifications, she holds the Certified Grants Management Specialist (CGMS) certification and the Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt (LSSYB) certification. Her educational background and certifications equip her with a solid foundation in economic analysis and grant management.
Background
Prior to her current role, Jennifer Zarek worked for five years as the Chief Data Officer at the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, where she managed data initiatives and supported economic growth strategies. She also served as a Research Analyst in Business Intelligence at the Greater Omaha Chamber for one year. Earlier in her career, she interned in Community and Economic Development at the City of West Des Moines and worked as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the Economics Department at Iowa State University.
Achievements
Jennifer Zarek has authored blog posts that focus on effective grant reporting and award closeout processes, contributing to the field of grant management. Her role in managing a business innovation team for the Nebraska Economic Development Department highlights her leadership capabilities and commitment to fostering economic development initiatives. These contributions reflect her expertise in both data management and economic development.