Jennifer Dougherty
Orlando,FL
Summary
Attorney and executive leader with 15+ years of experience in legal services, governance, compliance, and organizational management. Skilled in risk mitigation, corporate governance, employment law, and strategic planning. Proven ability to advise Boards of Directors, senior executives, and HR leaders on complex legal and operational issues. Experienced in corporate secretarial duties, compliance oversight, and supporting organizations through transitions and regulatory requirements. Licensed Florida attorney with an Executive MBA.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Grant Manager
Florida Semiconductor Engine
08.2024 - Current
- Company Overview: National Science Foundation-funded initiative
- Partner to CEO and Governance Board, managing $15M in federal grant funds with oversight of compliance, contracts, and reporting.
- Drafted and implemented corporate governance documents (By-Laws, Charters, policies) and recorded Board meeting minutes.
- Collaborated with leadership on strategic planning, compliance, and risk mitigation.
- Advised HR and leadership on governance, compliance, and policy-related matters.
Executive Director
Clermont Main Street
03.2023 - 08.2024
- Reported directly to a 13-member Board of Directors, managing a $400,000 budget and compliance requirements.
- Drafted, reviewed, and enforced organizational policies, supporting Board governance and fiduciary responsibilities.
- Handled HR-related issues including staff performance, employee relations, and compliance with workplace regulations.
- Built strong stakeholder relationships with community, government, and business leaders.
Managing Attorney
Heart of Florida Legal Aid Society
11.2019 - 02.2020
- Managed staff attorneys, performed performance reviews, and updated the employee handbook.
- Supported the Executive Director and Board with governance, compliance, and legal strategy.
- Oversaw state grant funding compliance and KPI reporting.
- Represented organization in stakeholder and community partnerships.
General Counsel & Co-Founder
Collaborative Justice Partners, LLC
04.2018 - 10.2019
- Served as legal counsel, advising nonprofit organizations on compliance, governance, and employment law issues.
- Conducted site assessments, drafted policies, and facilitated operational improvements for legal aid providers.
- Secured over $1.5M in grant funding for clients and advised leaders on systemic changes.
Director of Grants
The Florida Bar Foundation
01.2016 - 04.2018
- Served as Corporate Secretary, supporting Board governance and preparing Board/committee materials.
- Drafted policies, performed compliance reviews, and provided legal and strategic guidance to senior leadership.
- Designed and managed a $20M community economic development grant program and statewide disaster relief efforts.
- Advised on employment and governance issues, including risk mitigation and policy enforcement.
Senior Program Officer & Program Officer
The Florida Bar Foundation, Inc.
05.2008 - 12.2015
- Supported the Director of Grants in managing statewide grantmaking, performance monitoring, capacity building, and training initiatives for civil legal aid attorneys.
- Developed and managed a $1M annual department budget.
- Oversaw a $10–$15M annual portfolio of grants to 30+ civil legal aid providers.
- Led the Grants Team on all grant programs and processes.
- Served as decision-making member for all Foundation grant programs.
- Conducted site assessments and evaluations for grantee organizations.
- Supported major Foundation events including Annual Dinner and legislative initiatives.
- Planned and executed a statewide conference introducing Human-Centered Design to Florida’s legal aid system.
Staff Attorney Roles
Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association & Jacksonville Area Legal Aid
01.2003 - 01.2008
- Represented clients in employment, benefits, family law, and housing matters.
- Litigated federal and state cases, conducted workplace investigations, and supported vulnerable populations.
- Collaborated with community stakeholders and managed complex caseloads.
Education
Executive MBA -
University of Central Florida
01.2023
Juris Doctor - undefined
Florida Coastal School of Law
01.2002
B.A. - Political Science
University of South Carolina
01.1994
Skills
- Compliance, Risk Mitigation & Due Diligence
- Corporate Governance & Board Support
- Contract Drafting & Review
- Policy Development & Employee Relations
- Employment Law & Workplace Investigations
- Strategic Planning & Organizational Management
- Stakeholder Engagement & Consensus Building
- Federal, State & Local Regulatory Knowledge
Certification
The Florida Bar, Member #641561 (Active, since 2003)
Timeline
Grant Manager
Florida Semiconductor Engine
08.2024 - Current
Executive Director
Clermont Main Street
03.2023 - 08.2024
Managing Attorney
Heart of Florida Legal Aid Society
11.2019 - 02.2020
General Counsel & Co-Founder
Collaborative Justice Partners, LLC
04.2018 - 10.2019
Director of Grants
The Florida Bar Foundation
01.2016 - 04.2018
Senior Program Officer & Program Officer
The Florida Bar Foundation, Inc.
05.2008 - 12.2015
Staff Attorney Roles
Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association & Jacksonville Area Legal Aid
01.2003 - 01.2008
Juris Doctor - undefined
Florida Coastal School of Law
B.A. - Political Science
University of South Carolina
Executive MBA -
University of Central Florida
Similar Profiles
Ann KingAnn King
Paragon Flight at Multi-engine and Single-engine Check InstructorParagon Flight at Multi-engine and Single-engine Check Instructor
Muharrem Kaan UyarMuharrem Kaan Uyar
Senior Indirect Procurement Engineer (Technology, Service, Capex Procurement) at Turkish Aero Space Engine Industries (TUSAS ENGINE Ind.-TEI-)Senior Indirect Procurement Engineer (Technology, Service, Capex Procurement) at Turkish Aero Space Engine Industries (TUSAS ENGINE Ind.-TEI-)
Matthew PerhamMatthew Perham
Sales Associate at Engine (Formerly Hotel Engine)Sales Associate at Engine (Formerly Hotel Engine)
Isaiah RenaudIsaiah Renaud
Sales Expert at T-MobileSales Expert at T-Mobile
Alina AlmonteAlina Almonte
Sales Associate at Marc JacobsSales Associate at Marc Jacobs