Diversity Woman Magazine

WIN 2016

Leadership and Executive Development for women of all races, cultures and backgrounds

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d i v e r s i t y w o m a n . c o m W i n t e r 2 0 1 6 D I V E R S I T Y W O M A N 39 started at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, moved to the Department of Transportation, and then to the Ofce of Advocacy and Enterprise at the Department of Agri- culture. In 2007, she became the chief operating ofcer of the Library of Congress, responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the world's largest library. In 2004, Jenkins joined the board of AARP Services Inc., and in 2010, she was named president of the AARP Foundation. Un- der her leadership, the foundation increased its donor base by 90 percent in just two years. Jenkins was tapped to lead AARP in 2014, when she was 57. "What was I expected to do at age 57?" she asks rhetorically. "Certainly not come in and be CEO. If I had taken the traditional route, I'd have had 25 years of government service at that point, and I could've retired and gone home." AARP board chair Carol Raphael calls Jenkins "dynamic" and the perfect leader for AARP today with its new focus on throwing the no- tion of aging out the window. "In many respects, Jo Ann is the perfect role model for lead- ing AARP. She was in her late 50s when she became the CEO, and her energy and example personify the organization," says Raphael. "She is a role model in the sense that she is taking on this new career path in her 50s. She also exemplifes the fact that we are in a time of embracing lifelong learning. Jo Ann is always seeking to learn about and explore new areas, to be as innovative as possible in addressing complex issues, to employ technology in new ways, and to embrace the fact that we have an increasingly multicultural population in the Unit- ed States." AARP executive vice president and chief communications and marketing ofcer Martha Boudreau frst met Jenkins when Jen- kins was organizing the Library of Congress's inaugural Nation- al Book Festival, hosted by First Lady Laura Bush. She marvels at Jenkins's drive, organizational ability, and authenticity. "I watched as she created an event of national signifcance while simultaneously managing a hugely complex organiza- tion," says Boudreau. "Now, almost 15 years later, I watch her at AARP as she leads this complex organization and drives its important social mission. "Troughout that time, Jo Ann has remained true to who she is: intensely focused, inclusive of staf at all levels, and AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins in 2015, at AARP's 50+ Ideas Conference, in Miami Beach. Photo By Josh Ritchie/ AP Images for AARP Media.

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