Our Team

Jennifer C. Niles has a demonstrated track record of innovation, coalition-building, and problem-solving. Since 2019, Jennie has served as President, CEO, and co-founder of CityWorks DC, a nonprofit venture to dramatically improve the early career outcomes of DC youth by fostering the creation of local talent pipelines into high-wage, high-demand careers.  CityWorks DC launches innovative programs, e.g. CareerWise DC and ASU Local, accelerates systems change by aligning education, workforce, and employment in DC and Maryland, and co-convenes industry sector partnerships in construction and hospitality with the Federal City Council. Prior to CityWorks DC, Jennie was Washington D.C.’s Deputy Mayor for Education from 2015 to 2018 where her responsibilities included oversight of DC Public Schools, Office of the State Superintendent of Education, DC Public Charter School Board, University of the District of Columbia, DC Dept of Parks and Recreation, and the DC Public Libraries. Previously, Jennie founded the acclaimed E.L. Haynes Public Charter School which serves 1,100 PK-12 students from across Washington, DC.  During her 12-year tenure as Head of School at Haynes, Niles built innovative programs focused on improving urban education citywide, including cross-sector initiatives to build a teacher pipeline, race and equity seminars, and ongoing professional development for teachers. Niles began her career teaching science and directing service-learning programs at schools in California and Massachusetts. She holds two master’s degrees in management and public administration, completed the New Leaders for New Schools fellowship, and is a Pahara-Aspen Education Fellow.