Jeri Ward

Chief Growth Officer

Jeri Ward is a national leader in marketing and communications with extensive experience in developing and identifying the best approaches to tell stories that resonate with key audiences and inspire interest, action, and engagement in both nonprofit and corporate sectors. Prior to joining the ATC’s leadership team, Jeri served on the ATC’s Board of Directors beginning in May 2022 and served as the Advancement Committee chair and a Visioning Cabinet and Campaign Executive Committee member throughout 2023.  

Ward led Northwestern University’s Office of Global Marketing and Communications for four years. She joined her alma mater as the first Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, responsible for driving the University’s global branding and communications strategy, including advising the University’s leadership and Board of Trustees on top-level communications and shaping the University’s national and global marketing approach.  

Previously, Jeri served as Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer for Audi of America, where she was the company’s first female vice president. Jeri joined Audi in 2007, leading Marketing and Product Launch, then in 2011 led Customer Experience. Prior to her tenure at Audi of America, Jeri held various marketing positions at Ford Motor Company. 

Jeri received a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Kettering University and has dual graduate degrees from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management and the McCormick School of Engineering at Northwestern University. 

An avid hiker, Jeri has spent most of her time on the Appalachian Trail in Virginia, in and around Shenandoah National Park. She has also hiked sections of the Trail in West Virginia, Maryland, and Vermont. Jeri enjoys hiking with her Labrador retrievers (when permitted) and appreciates the A.T. as a place for discovery and reflection. She currently resides in Virginia.