Jennifer Peterson

With over 20 years of experience in nonprofits, Jennifer (Jenny) Peterson has dedicated her career to advancing missions that allow children, families, and individuals the opportunity to reach their highest potential. As an executive leader, marketing and communications professional, and parent of a child who is deaf/hard of hearing, she is a passionate advocate and enthusiastic believer in the power of community support. 

The experience of raising a child who utilizes bilateral hearing aids to access communication and enhance connection with the world profoundly transformed her life. After his diagnosis, her career organically became focused on removing barriers to early intervention, improving access to support and resources for those with special healthcare needs, and elevating educational systems.

Jenny’s professional highlights within hearing health include co-leading legislative grass-roots efforts that resulted in an insurance mandate for coverage of children’s hearing aids in 2017, serving as the Keynote Speaker at a Texas Academy of Audiology conference, and presenting at national conferences for early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI).

Most recently serving as the Executive Director for Texas Hands & Voices, a statewide nonprofit serving families of children who are deaf/hard of hearing, she led strategic planning, fundraising, budget development, operations, and marketing communications. After serving as the President of their board of directors and Outreach Director, she joined the organization at a transformational time in their history, leading the organization through changes in program delivery, workflow, and revenue strategies.

Prior to this role, she worked extensively in family health and education, crafting outreach and communications strategies that translated complex issues into clear, compelling narratives that mobilized support and increased awareness.

A native Texan and mother to two sons, she resides in Austin, TX using her free time to explore the world, tackle outdoor adventures, or see comedy and live music. Her greatest joy is celebrating with others as they embrace hope, encouragement, and a life that is thriving with rich experiences.