Jo Ann Jenkins is CEO of AARP where she leads the world’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization -- comprised of 2,000 staff members plus 60,000 volunteers and numerous strategic partners.
Prior to joining AARP, Ms. Jenkins served as chief operating officer for the Library of Congress. She began her career with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, later moving to the U.S. Department of Transportation and U.S. Department of Agriculture in a variety of leadership roles with increasing responsibility. In addition to her public service, she served in several private consulting firms, advising major corporations regarding development and implementation of diversity and organizational strategies.
Ms. Jenkins is currently on the board of General Mills, which she joined in January 2020. She has also held a variety of board and advisory positions, including with AARP Services, AARP Funds, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, the Wall Street Journal CEO Council, Kennedy Center National Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors, Stanford School of Medicine Board of Fellows, U.S. Small Business Administration Council on Underserved Communities, and Caring for Military Families.
Ms. Jenkins holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Ala., graduated from the Stanford Graduate School of Business Executive Program, and also holds honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Spring Hill College and Washington College.
Ms. Jenkins serves as a member of the Finance Committee and Executive Committee and as chair of the Compensation and Leadership Development Committee.
Last updated: January 2024