Our Team
Jenn Watts,
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Jenn Watts believes that the traditional mantra of a career and success is broken and outdated. “If you want to create something, just do it. Build the best team around you, on your terms. If it fails, move on. If it works, keep going. It shouldn’t be more complicated,” she said. “Every company and organization will end…its the citizen who keeps our economy alive.”
Jenn is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer for Watts Change Agency. The company is dedicated to supporting visionary leaders and accelerating social change. Born on the east side of Indianapolis, Jenn is dedicated to making the city the best it can be. Modernizing Indy's educational infrastructure and supporting an inclusive, dynamic workforce are at the forefront of her priorities - which includes all of our city's students, workers and homegrown innovators from every neighborhood. With over 15 years of experience in politics, international development, communications & technology, federal government and public policy, her strengths are in policy development, large-scale project management, change management, strategic communications and human capital. Jenn prides herself as an operational thinker who strives for community wellness.
Jenn served as the Director of Policy for the Indiana Department of Education in 2018 - 2019. Previously, she was a Senior Specialist for Strategic Communications at Development Alternatives Incorporated and focused on a range of international development issues and public relations. From 2010 - 2014, Jenn served as a Presidential Political Appointee for President Barack Obama's administration. Jenn served in the White House as the National Security Director for Presidential Personnel, overseeing a portfolio of 1400 presidential political appointments for President Barack Obama from 2013 - 2014. In 2010 - 2013, she served at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in the Bureau for Policy, Planning, and Learning as a Special Assistant as well as an Advisor in the Office of Science and Technology. Jenn oversaw a portfolio dedicated to strategic communications, democracy, technology, open governance and human rights.
Jenn worked on President Barack Obama's presidential campaign in 2008 and took on various roles. Prior to campaign work, she was an early hire for then Senator Obama and helped transition the Hope Fund to Obama for America in Washington, DC. Jenn graduated from Fordham University with a B.A. in Philosophy and Urban Studies.
Local and national surge support
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to change your company culture. Maybe you want to turn an experience into a movement. Or maybe you have a powerful story you want to share with the world. Whatever it is, we will hire the right team to fit your needs. Watts Change Agency sources top talent locally and nationally to fit your social change needs. We tap into local entrepreneurs, rising experts and established advisors to help achieve your goals. We call our pool of consultants the “special forces for good.” Our teams add surge capacity to your vision and staff for a time-bound partnership.