Jen Matheson
Director of Programs

Pronouns: she, her, hers

jen@northwesthealth.org | 971.230.1292

Jen Matheson joined Northwest Health Foundation in 2014. As Director of Programs, she leads the program team in carrying out many of NWHF's ambitious initiatives.

In her prior role at the Native American Youth and Family Center, Jen developed and implemented a culturally responsive college and career program to address the inequities in employment rates and secondary and post-secondary attainment for youth of color. She also served on the leadership team of the Community Works Project (CWP) and provided leadership for homeownership and asset-building programs, including the Elder’s Homeownership Retention Program, the Home Repair Savings Program and other outreach and advocacy efforts to address Portland’s minority homeownership gap. Prior to that, Jen served as the Outreach Manager at 211info for five years, establishing connections with community networks across Oregon and Southwest Washington. 

Jen received a bachelor's degree from University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. She is also a graduate of Neighborhood Partnerships’ Advocates College and completed Rockwood Leadership Institute’s Art of Leadership program. Jen served on the Proud Ground board of directors for six years and is trained as a Healthy Homes Specialist and a Master Home Environmentalist. Jen currently serves on the board for the Progressive Multiplier Action Fund.

Jen spent her childhood living around the United States and moved to Portland from Minneapolis 20 years ago. She enjoys her neighborhood of St. Johns, because she has stellar neighbors, and she can walk to beautiful parks and delicious restaurants.