Jennifer Balink
Executive Director
Drawing on a range of experience in marketing, project management, and start-up consulting, TEDx speaker and executive coach Jennifer Balink brings strategic vision to the Semmes Murphey Foundation team. Prior to joining the Foundation, Jennifer was executive director at Kindred Place, a family-focused counseling practice. Her background includes an eclectic mix of public and private sector leadership roles including telecommunications, middle school education, community blood banking, and public policy. In partnership with then-Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton, she co-founded Shelby County Books from Birth, the largest Imagination Library program in the world. Jennifer has served on local boards including the Memphis Child Advocacy Center, Shelby County Humane Society, and a faith-based childcare initiative. A native Memphian, Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University.