The University of Georgia’s J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, a unit of Public Service and Outreach, has named Dr. Jennie Welch as its new director. 

With a career spanning education, nonprofit and civic sectors, Welch is no stranger to the work of building strong leaders and stronger organizations. She has spent years leading statewide initiatives, shaping organizational strategy and forging partnerships that create real, measurable community impact, all of which translates directly to her new role at the Fanning Institute. 

Welch also has a connection to the Fanning Institute. She previously worked alongside faculty as a doctoral fellow, contributing to leadership development initiatives and community-engaged research. Now, she returns as its leader. 

“This is a full-circle moment for Jennie,” said Stacy Jones, vice president for UGA Public Service and Outreach. “She returns with a deep appreciation for the institute’s history and longstanding relationships, along with enthusiasm for working together to shape its future.” 

As director, Welch leads the Institute’s work across a broad portfolio of programming, from youth and nonprofit leadership development to conflict resolution and community leadership training. In this role, she works alongside faculty and staff to advance Fanning’s mission of building stronger communities across Georgia through the power of leadership development. 

“I am honored to join Fanning and work alongside an extraordinary team who are passionate about serving Georgia,” said Welch. “I believe leadership development is one of the most powerful ways we can strengthen organizations, build and expand opportunity for communities and advance the land-grant and sea-grant mission of UGA. I look forward to listening, learning and working with our partners across the state to build on Fanning’s remarkable legacy through investment in the leaders of today and tomorrow.” 

Most recently, Welch served as chief strategy and growth officer for the Georgia Leadership Institute for School Improvement (GLISI), a statewide nonprofit that partners with more than 40 school districts and supports more than 1,600 education leaders annually. She has also held leadership and research roles with the University of Delaware, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and JPMorgan Chase. 

Welch earned her Ph.D. in public administration and public policy from the University of Georgia, a Master of Public Administration from the University of Delaware, and bachelor’s degrees in economics and international relations from Bucknell University.