Jen Cross, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships

Jen Cross serves as the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships for the Great Outdoors Foundation. A self-proclaimed people lover, Jen spends her days fostering connections, building community, and garnering support for critical water quality and conservation initiatives. With 10+ years in donor relations, she rarely enters a room without knowing someone in it — and if she does, she’s likely to make a new friend quickly. Jen leads the Conservation Acceleration Fund, a model that connects private capital with public conservation priorities, unlocking more than $51 million in 2025 alone. She also helped lead the $100+ million ICON Water Trails capital campaign, including significant private-sector investment.

Jen contributes her expertise to several local organizations, including serving on the board for the Ankeny School District Foundation, Iowa Nutrient Research & Education Council, Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance, Iowa’s Outdoor Recreation Task Force, and John Stoddard Cancer Center (Emeritus). Prior to joining the Great Outdoors Foundation, she served as Director of Development & Partnerships at Catch Des Moines.

Jen received her B.A. in Public Relations & Strategic Communications from St. Ambrose University.