JAG National Staff
President and Chief Executive Officer
Kenneth M. Smith, Co-Founder
Mr. Kenneth M. Smith serves as President and CEO of Jobs for America’s Graduates, Inc. (JAG), the nation’s largest, most consistently applied model of dropout prevention and school-to-career transition for at-risk and disadvantaged young people.
In 1979, Mr. Smith worked with Governor Pete du Pont of Delaware on the design of the first statewide test of the JAG Model, and has served as President and CEO since its inception. JAG currently serves 42,000 at-risk young people annually, in more than 800 high schools in 32 states. There are also over 2,000 young people enrolled in a test of JAG in the United Kingdom under the auspices of The Prince’s Trust.
Executive Vice President
Jimmy G. Koeninger, Ph.D.
Jim has 45 years of experience in public education, higher education, corporate training and development, association management and strategic partnerships between government (federal, state and local) and corporations (for profit and non-profit).
Following completion of a Ph.D. program at The Ohio State University in 1972, Jim held business and education faculty positions in Colorado (University of Northern Colorado), Texas (Angelo State University, University of Houston, and University of North Texas), and his home state of Oklahoma (Central State University and Oklahoma State University).
Senior Vice President, Finance & Administration
Katherine Travis
Katherine serves as Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships LLC (SPLLC). Katherine manages the day-to-day operations of the company's Virginia office along with the financial practices of the organization.
Corporate Vice President
Karen Koeninger
Karen serves as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships LLC and as a member of the Board of Directors. Karen manages the day-to-day operations of the company's Dallas office. She oversees the field operations of Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG), an organization managed by Strategic Partnerships that serves 60,000 young people in 30 states.
Associate Vice President
Janelle Duray
Janelle Duray serves as the Associate Vice President of Jobs for America’s Graduates. In her role, Janelle is a key resource to JAG’s 32 State Affiliate Executive Directors, helping them to foster relationships with funders and organizations in order to further JAG’s mission. She also works with JAG National funders to develop strategic relationships that expand beyond financial development in order to fully engage JAG funders at the programmatic, local level. Finally, in her role at JAG, Janelle works with JAG’s President, Mr. Ken Smith, and JAG’s National Board Members to expand JAG’s footprint, working with Governors, Chief State School Officers, and Commissioners of Workforce Development and Labor to bring JAG to new states.