Jess got her start in the live events industry at the age of 18 in the Atlanta music scene working with local booking and productions agencies and venues. She carried this experience into her undergraduate involvement running the student programming board at Shorter College the entirety of her 4 years there. After obtained her Masters in Higher Education Administration from the University of South Carolina, Jess moved to the Philadelphia area and began her career working in colleges and universities, advising programming boards and producing student events. Her most recent role was the Assistant Director of Student Activities at The College of New Jersey where she advised the College Union Board, planned Homecoming Mainstage performances and activities, and focused on creating legacy events and unforgettable experiences for the students.

Jess has been actively involved with the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) sine 2008 serving in a variety of leadership roles both within the Mid-Atlantic Region and on National Leadership teams. Her favorite volunteer roles were serving as the Assistant Production Coordinator and Production Coordinator for Mid-Atlantic and Festival; as well as working on LEAG (Live Event Action Group) to assess and redesign the National Convention Experience for 2020.

She has also been involved with, and on the board for, the International Live Events Association (ILEA) Greater Philadelphia Chapter since 2015. Jess has also been awarded ILEA Rising Star (2016-2017) and Best Entertainment Production (Kesha F*ck the World Tour feat. GrooveBoston’s “Proximity Tour” after party – 2017)

Jess has a variety of experience she brings to the Degy team, from live music and entertainment; conference logistics coordination; and even wedding planning. She is excited to return to her roots working in live entertainment, and bridge her passion for events and experience working with students, into her role as Major Events Operations Manager at Degy Entertainment.