Jill Bennett

Chief Executive Officer

she/her/hers

Jill Bennett wants you to know that the work of UNA—building happy, healthy, resilient communities— is as essential as essential gets. She believes that communities are at their best when they can rely on thriving nonprofits that are equipped to share a resource, a meal, shelter, and, when needed, some perspiration and inspiration.

Creating those thriving nonprofits is why her first thought of every work day is how can UNA do better by Utah's nonprofits and communities. Her second thought is often, did my husband and best friend, Frank, leave any coffee for me? (Sadly for Jill, the answer to that question is, more often than not, a no.)

UNA's Board of Directors appointed Jill as Chief Executive Officer in June of 2022.  After twenty years in the financial services industry, Jill was happy to discover UNA and began her tenure with us in May of 2017. If you ask her about her current role, she'll sum it up in two words: dream job. But since Jill is on the laconic side—unless she's talking about nonprofits—those two words may or may not have significance. Jill feels called to this work and believes that there is no greater priviledge than to advocate for the thousands of people who serve vulnerable individuals with caring, dignity and compassion and devote their careers and lives to making our lives better.

Jill holds an MBA from the University of Kentucky and a BBA from the University of Wisconsin, giving her equal insight into spreadsheets, the impact of humidity on the heat index (it makes the cold colder and the hot hotter), and just how long cheddar should be aged for maximum deliciousness (seven years). She has volunteered at many nonprofits and served on a number of Boards and counts herself a fan of the Green Bay Packers (by birth) and fan of University of Kentucky Basketball (by marriage). When not at work, you'll find her in the mountains hiking with her dog, friends, and family, or skiing enthusiastically (but sadly for Jill, never expertly).