Jenny Mann Evans

Background

About Jenny Mann Evans

I’m a collaborative, purpose-driven leader with substantial experience across clinical social work, higher education, and nonprofit administration. As Chief Program Officer at The Ark, I oversee a broad portfolio of client-facing programs, including Intake & Eligibility, Case Management, Employment Services, Medical and Dental Clinics, Psychiatry, Housing, Child and Family Wellness, Financial Counseling, the Gesher Program, Spiritual Enrichment, and our onsite Pharmacy. My role centers on aligning these programs with our strategic goals and ensuring integrated, high-impact support for our community, helping every Chicagoland Jew on their path to self reliance. My background includes direct practice, program development, staff training, research, and teaching—with a focus on substance use, mental health, and health equity. I’ve led multidisciplinary teams, launched new initiatives, and guided organizations through complex change—always with a focus on dignity, cultural humility, and centering client voice.I hold a PhD in Social Work, and my research explores recovery, stigma, and the intersection of substance use and other health challenges. Whether in the classroom, the community, or the office, I bring warmth, clarity, and a deep commitment to meaningful, evidence-informed work.