Areas of Expertise: Relationship building, fundraising and leadership

From the time I was very young, my father stressed the importance of work ethic and I strive every day to bring his appreciation of hard work to the work I do.

Leading business development for KnowledgeWorks, Jesse builds partnerships that advance the organization’s mission and expand its impact in personalized, competency-based learning across the country. Having worked his whole career in non-profit leadership, Jesse brings a unique understanding of how the world works and how to position KnowledgeWorks as a leader in the space.  He brings a distinctive blend of experience in education, nonprofit leadership and relationship development to his role, helping to strengthen connections with schools, systems, and learning communities.

Prior to joining KnowledgeWorks, Jesse served as senior vice president of member development and support at of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, where he led efforts in member development, housing and chapter and volunteer support. He also volunteered with the Timothy J. Piazza Center for Fraternity and Sorority Research and Reform at Penn State University.

Jesse holds a bachelor’s degree in Contemporary Media and Journalism from the University of South Dakota, a master’s degree in education from Xavier University and a certificate in executive management from the University of Notre Dame. He is a proud member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and currently serves on the board of directors for the Hamilton Rotary Club. He is also a graduate of Leadership Hamilton and has held numerous volunteer roles in his community, including board chairman of the John Wesley Early Learning Center, a board member at West Side Little League and Cubmaster for Cub Scout Pack 928.

In his spare time, Jesse enjoys coaching youth sports, attending his sons’ events, golfing, reading, and cheering on the Xavier Musketeers, Cincinnati Reds, and Bengals—all while spending quality time with his wife, Courtnee, and their sons, Cooper and Bentley.