GIPS’ Worthington to Retire After Decades of Community Leadership

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) - After a career dedicated to education and community leadership, Jennifer Worthington has shared that she will be retiring in December.

“I am looking forward to some very simple things like enjoying my home and dogs.” Worthington shared, “Next summer I’ll have more time for golf and my flowers and by next winter I will probably jump into some consistent volunteering or a part time job.”

Jennifer Worthington served as the Chief of Strategic Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement for GIPS for the last seven years. Prior to serving on the GIPS District Leadership Team, Worthington was the Campus Director at Doane University’s Grand Island campus. Before joining Doane, she served as the Director of Leadership Tomorrow (LT), now named Leadership Unlimited, in Grand Island. Throughout her time in those roles with Doane & LT, she also proudly served on the GIPS Board of Education from 2003 - 2016.

Beyond the leadership positions, Mrs. Worthington was a constant voice of community advocacy and program development. Through the years she has served on numerous non-profit boards such as: Hope Harbor, HC3, ServeNebraska, Stuhr Museum, Stuhr Museum Foundation, and the Heartland United Way.Her passion for public service and acumen for connecting with people helped fuel her work with GIPS. Worthington was instrumental in acquiring the $13 million GearUp Promise Grant for Grand Island Public Schools, overseeing Community Schools status for the O’Connor Learning Center and Lincoln Elementary, and coordinating district stakeholder groups such as Key Communicators, Parent Advisory Council, and more.

“I’ve been part of GIPS for 20 years so I have a lot to reflect on. Top of mind is the people.” Worthington reflected, “I had the opportunity to work beside dozens of incredible board members and three dedicated superintendents as well as staff across the district who always put kids first.”

As Mrs. Worthington settles into a well-deserved retirement at the end of the year, GIPS will prepare for a transition at the district leadership level. There are no immediate plans to replace the position at this time.

Mitchell Roush, GIPS Communications Director, will fill the vacant seat on the District Leadership Team. He has been with the district for nearly three years and has worked closely with Worthington as the department was nested under her Chief umbrella. Roush will assume a number of the duties previously led by Worthington. Other duties will be passed on to existing departments within the district.