BY: Northwest Community Action Partnership

Northwest Community Action Partnership (NCAP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jennifer Henry as the new Head Start Director, effective immediately.

Jennifer has been a valued member of the NCAP team for more than three years, most recently serving as the organization’s Nutrition and ERSEA (Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance) Coordinator. Her strong leadership, collaborative spirit, and vibrant ideas will help elevate NCAP’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs as they continue to serve children and families across NCAP’s service area.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have Jennifer step into this vital leadership role,” said Brooke Smith, Chief Executive Officer of NCAP. “She brings a remarkable blend of experience, creativity, and compassion that will further strengthen our early childhood programs and empower our staff, families, and communities.”

As Head Start Director, Jennifer will oversee all aspects of NCAP’s Head Start and Early Head Start operations, including program quality, staff development, and community partnerships. She brings a deep commitment to the Head Start mission and a proven record of advancing programs that promote family engagement, school readiness, and holistic child development.

Jennifer Henry is a dedicated and community-focused leader with over a decade of experience in human services, education, and program supervision. As the Nutrition and ERSEA Coordinator for Northwest Community Action Partnership’s Head Start program, she has overseen compliance, staff development, and family engagement to ensure children and families thrive in supportive, inclusive environments.

With a strong background in program management and regulatory oversight, Jennifer has led initiatives that promote health, safety, and school readiness while strengthening community partnerships. Her previous work as a Residential Supervisor and Community Support Professional at the Region I Office of Human Development honed her skills in leadership, individualized support, and quality assurance. In addition, her role as an Adjunct Art Instructor at Oglala Lakota College reflects her belief in the power of creativity and education to inspire confidence, curiosity, and lifelong learning.

Passionate about advancing Head Start’s mission, Jennifer brings to her leadership a balance of compassion, organization, and collaboration that fosters growth across every program level. Outside of work, she enjoys painting, gardening, and cooking—creative outlets that allow her to recharge, express herself, and connect with others through art, nature, and food.

Northwest Community Action Partnership’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs serve children and families throughout the Nebraska Panhandle, focusing on school readiness, family engagement, and comprehensive early childhood services.

For more information about NCAP and its programs, visit www.ncap.info or follow Northwest Community Action Partnership on Facebook.