When Beacon Mental Health (then Tri-County) wanted to restart its Foundation after a period of dormancy, one of the first calls for volunteer leadership went to Jennifer Ingraham. Without a moment’s hesitation, she volunteered to serve on the Board of Directors. “I was aware of the behavioral health services that were being delivered in my children’s schools,” she explains, “and when I learned that it was Tri-County who was providing those services, I was grateful for the opportunity to give back.”
When it comes to volunteer leadership, Jennifer has never been one to say “no”. Jennifer serves the Greater Kansas City community through her board service to the PIEA Crossroads Arts Advisory Committee, Coterie Theater, Park Hill School District Education Foundation, and WIN for KC. Jennifer also contributes time to the Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation, NonProfit Connect, UnitedWE Advisory Board, and her P.E.O. Chapter. Jennifer is the 2023 recipient of the Centurions’ Bernard Powell Award and a past recipient of Kappa Delta’s Order of the Emerald for outstanding contributions to one’s community. Most recently, she was elected Chair of the Missouri Community Service Commission, following her appointment to the commission by Governor Parson.
That inclination to get involved preceded her arrival in the Northland, though. She warmly recalls that her parents were always involved in community activities when she grew up in Rogers, Arkansas, and she found herself getting involved in volunteer work for as far back as she can remember.
Jennifer and her husband, Jason, have been long-time Northlanders. Jason grew up in Lathrop and went to William Jewell, and Jennifer fell in love with the Northland community. “I met people like Jan Kauk and Sandra Mellinger through my P.E.O. Chapter, and they inspired me to get involved with Northland charities,” she says.
Jennifer is particularly excited about the success of the KC Current. “I’m thrilled their practice facility is in the Northland, and I love the new stadium just across the river. KC Baby!” She is also a big fan of the parks in our region and as Spring approaches, she’s looking forward to getting back outside to hike and bike our interconnected trails system.
When Jennifer was asked by Beacon CEO Tom Petrizzo to help with the rebranding of Tri-County, she was happy to step up and participate. She thought it was important that the name and branding of the agency reflect something more than just the geography it serves. “The work that Beacon does is inspiring, and the impact goes well beyond three counties. And I love that the Beacon name communicates hope to all we serve,” she observes.
Professionally, Jennifer is the Vice President of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement for Kansas City University, and has served in the nonprofit sector in arts and higher education for more than 25 years.
