National Center for Fathering Names Chief Operating Officer

The National Center for Fathering (NCF) names Jeff Jenkins chief operating officer, bringing to the nationally acclaimed fathering organization more than 25 years of operations, management, marketing, branding and entrepreneurial experience.

“At this stage in my life, I wanted to do something that impacted lives. NCF has been reaching out into communities across America now for 23 years, inspiring and equipping men to be the fathers and father figures our children need and deserve.  It’s my sincere hope that I can help impact the lives of our most precious resource here in America… our children,” Jenkins said.

The hiring of Jenkins kicks off a time of forward movement and change for NCF. By hiring Jenkins, the Board of Directors hopes to increase the impact the National Center for Fathering has on one of America’s most pressing social issues: fatherlessness.

LeRoy Paris II, Chairman of the Board, explains.

“I have met few men in my life with the passion for fathering that Jeff Jenkins has,” Paris said. “He comes to the National Center for Fathering with strong leadership and vision skills developed in his successful business career. This passion, giftedness and experience are God-sent gifts to NCF.  The vision to take NCF from its roots in Kansas City to all 50 states and to more effectively bless and prepare America’s fathers and future fathers will go forward as Jeff joins Carey (Carey Casey, CEO) and the incredible NCF team. I am thankful to our great God for this gift of Jeff to NCF, and anxious to see the fruit to come.” 

Before joining the National Center for Fathering, Jenkins was President and Owner of two highly successful Smoothie King Nutritional Lifestyle Centers in Overland Park, Kansas. His two stores were considered the philanthropic leaders throughout the franchise system. Jenkins was also President and Owner of American Staffing Solutions, a small staffing company located in Overland Park, Kansas. In addition, he was Founder and President of the ThinkFit Foundation that was established with the mission to educate children, families and community organizations in the importance of nutrition, wellness and exercise for disease prevention and overall improved health.

Jenkins’s passion for creating a brighter future for children reflects the long-established core values of the National Center for Fathering. His experience positions him to help guide the organization into a new era of productivity and positive change.

“There are approximately 24 million children laying their heads on pillows tonight without a father in the home, but children need both a mommy and a daddy. The downstream effects of fatherlessness are well documented and researched. Our goal is to shift public perception so America is aware of the real economic and social impact of our nation’s fathering crisis,” Jenkins said.

Prior to moving to Kansas in late 2000 to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams, Jenkins traveled around the country working in the event marketing and tour management field as a market and tour manager for Fortune 500 companies.

After a decade of cultivating his Smoothie King businesses into a success story, Jenkins was approached with an opportunity to sell his businesses. In October of 2010, he decided to take this opportunity afforded him and do the unexpected (from a world view perspective), and spend more time with his wife and two kids. During the past two-and-a-half years, he has poured himself into his two incredible kids and became a real estate investor and business mentor.

Jenkins attended Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, where he majored in Marketing and Business Administration.

He also volunteers his time as a business s and marketing consultant for IBEC Ventures, a Christian organization that aims to create sustainable businesses which reflect God’s kingdom values and clearly live out the Gospel of Jesus in developing areas of the world.

Jenkins and his wife, Kelley, were married in 2003. His number one passion is being Dad to his two kids. Every day, Jenkins fills dual roles when he comes home from NCF, where he is blessed to be both his daughter’s Prince Charming and son’s Superhero.

The National Center for Fathering (www.fathers.com) is a leading national nonprofit organization, with widely-implemented programming such as WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students), a one-of-a-kind school based father involvement program that works to support education and safety. NCF also offers innovative tools and resources that inspire and equip fathers to be more involved with their children to give each child a better future and to create a positive fathering legacy.

Contact Information

Melissa Kelly

Marketing and Social Media Coordinator

National Center for Fathering

(1) 913.378.1043

mkelly@fathers.com