Welcome to the CAS Staff Spotlight, a column featuring members of the CAS staff. For this spotlight, we are proud to introduce you to Jennifer Naughton, MA Ed, CAE, SPHR.
- What do you do at the CAS?
I am the new chief learning officer for the CAS. I oversee the CAS Admissions, Professional Education and Research departments. - What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy the opportunity to transform an entire profession, especially when it is at an inflection point. I like identifying and closing skills gaps due to the massive impact they have on people’s careers, and in turn, on their contributions to society. - Where is your hometown?
McLean, Virginia, just across the Potomac River from D.C. My father moved to D.C. from Sioux City, Iowa, when he was in his early 20s to work on Capitol Hill. Then he stuck around after he met my mom. - Where did you go to college and what is your degree?
I attended undergrad at James Madison University in Virginia (Go Dukes!) and earned a BS in psychology. I also attended the University of London as an undergrad, which was by far one of the best decisions I made at that time. It made me more appreciative of other cultures and perspectives and the importance of applied learning. I then went on to earn my master’s degree in education from the George Washington University in D.C. - What was your first job out of college?
I held down two jobs right after college: a research scientist by day and billiard club DJ by night. Music is one of my many passions, so my second job was a labor of love. - Describe yourself in three words.
My friends describe me as driven, strategic and a catalyst. - What is your favorite weekend activity?
I enjoy traveling with friends. COVID-19 has made this difficult, but where there’s a will, there’s a way, thanks to rapid testing and N95 masks. - What is your favorite travel destination?
I can’t pick just one. Among my most memorable are Singapore (hawker centers), Thailand (beaches!), Istanbul (history museums), Barcelona (Basílica de la Sagrada Família) and San Diego (La Jolla sea lions). The list goes on. - Name one interesting or fun fact about you.
I am a genealogy nut. Apparently, I descended from someone who came over on the Mayflower. Legend has it that he was sent to America as punishment for stealing a pewter mug. I have no idea if this is true, but it’s a good story, so I’ll keep telling it.
