Jennifer Eckhart joined First 5 LA in August 2009. As Director of the Contract Administration & Purchasing (CAP) Department, she oversees the procurement, contracting and oversight of the contract management functions necessary for First 5 LA to fulfill its role as a public grantmaker. The CAP Team is part of First 5 LA’s Center for Operations and Sustainability, which serves to review, refine and improve operational practices foundational to organizational effectiveness and Strategic Plan success.
Jennifer brings with her a wealth of experience from the public and nonprofit sector. Prior to joining First 5 LA, Jennifer served as a Contracts Manager for Public Health Foundation Enterprises, Inc. There she managed numerous contracts including the organization’s largest funded program, Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). She also served as the organization’s liaison to the public health deputies for the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
Jennifer also has extensive experience in the workforce sector in positions such as the Asset Development Manager for Community Financial Resource Center, Business Consultant for Community Career Development, Inc. and an Employment Development Specialist at the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA). At HACLA, Jennifer managed a program that was nationally recognized by NAHRO for the National Award of Merit in Program Innovation and Community Revitalization.
Jennifer has earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from UCLA. Upon completion of her bachelor’s degree, Jennifer temporarily pursued law at Northeastern University before deciding to focus her professional development in Contracts Management. Jennifer has a certificate in Contracts Management from the University of California, Irvine and served as the Vice President of Communications for the San Fernando Valley Chapter of the National Contract Management Association.