MINNEAPOLIS — Project for Pride in Living (PPL) is excited to welcome Jessica Poole as Director of Communications and Marketing. Beginning Nov. 2, Poole will lead PPL’s communications, marketing and media strategy, shaping how the organization shares the stories of the individuals and families it walks alongside and strengthening its visibility as a leader in housing stability and career readiness. She will report to Lauren Beecham Henry, Chief Philanthropy and External Affairs Officer. Poole brings more than 15 years of communications and leadership experience, most recently as Director of Communications for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota.
Throughout her career, Poole has built visibility and belonging for organizations rooted in community, from collegiate athletics and professional women’s sports to the Special Olympics USA Games. For the USA Games, held in the Twin Cities in June, she directed media operations and storytelling for 3,000 athletes from all 50 states, ensuring the Games’ impact would carry across Minnesota and the nation.
Poole previously served as the first President and Chief Operating Officer of Minnesota Aurora FC, where she led operations and strategy, grew the front office and expanded the club’s reach. She also led business operations and communications for the Chicago Tempest during the team’s inaugural season in Women’s Elite Rugby. Earlier, she spent three years in senior leadership at Chicago State University, a public university on Chicago’s South Side, including as Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Athletic Director and as Interim Director of Athletics. There she led communications, marketing and digital strategy.
“Jessica has spent her career helping organizations rooted in community tell their stories and bring people along,” said Karla Henderson, president and CEO of PPL. “She is a gifted storyteller and a seasoned leader who understands how communications supports every part of an organization. She shares our belief that the people we walk alongside are the heart of PPL’s story, and we are thrilled to welcome her to the team.”
“My career has taught me the power of a well-told story and the importance of aligning communication with purpose,” said Poole. “PPL’s work in housing and careers changes the trajectory of people’s lives, and the residents and participants doing that work have stories Minnesota needs to hear. I am excited to help tell them.”
Poole holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She was named a 2024 Women in Business honoree by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal and received the 2019 Trailblazer Award from College Sports Communicators, where she served as president in 2022-23 and on the board of directors from 2016 to 2024. She serves on the advisory board of Women in Sports and Events (WISE) Twin Cities.