Dena Jenson

Dena Jenson is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in nonprofit leadership and organizational development. Currently serving as the Director of the Center for Nonprofit Leadership at California Lutheran University since June 2016, Dena previously held roles as an Independent Organizational & Leadership Development Consultant, Interim Executive Director at Alliance for the Arts, and Vice-President & Director at the Ventura County Community Foundation. Dena has a strong background in public health and policy, demonstrated through positions such as Research Consultant for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Program & Public Policy Director at the Perinatal Advisory Council. Dena holds a Master's degree in Public Policy from the University of Southern California and a BA in Political Science from California State University, Long Beach. Notable achievements include leading a statutory merger with the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Foundation and implementing strategic initiatives that support nonprofit governance and leadership development.