Jenny Puchtel serves as Chief Operating Officer, responsible for the organizational health of JUF and operationalization of JUF’s goals and vision. In this role, Jenny directs the allocation of resources across departments, works with leaders to develop and implement work plans, and spearheads strategic initiatives to optimize resources and enhance the effectiveness of JUF.

Jenny developed a passion for managing organizational change and driving efficiency throughout her 20-plus year career in higher education and professional services. Prior to joining JUF, Jenny was most recently Assistant Provost, Administration and Finance at Northwestern University, overseeing business operations, including budget planning and human resources, for the Office of the Provost and its 30 departments. Before that, she served as Director of Organizational Strategy and Change and Manager of Accreditation, leading university-wide projects to evaluate programs and design evidence-based solutions. In her 10 years at Northwestern, Jenny worked to assess organizational challenges and implement improved structures, operations, and processes. 

Earlier in her career, she worked at the Huron Consulting Group in their higher education practice and at Deloitte Tax in global employer services.

Jenny is a dual graduate of Northwestern University, earning a B.A. in economics and a master of science in higher education administration and policy.