Rasmussen 2011 CEHS Distinguished Alumnus

08 Nov 2011    

Jessie Kerry Rasmussen is the new president of the Buffett Early Childhood Fund, where she manages a $20 million annual portfolio for the purpose of promoting high quality birth to five experiences for children at risk in the United States. Her entire professional career has focused on improving outcomes for children, families and adults, especially vulnerable populations such as people with disabilities and families of low income.

After graduating from UNL with both a bachelors and masters degree in human development and family relations, and an endorsement in early childhood special education, Jessie began her professional career as a preschool teacher in an Omaha Head Start program. She spent more than 20 years working in a variety of cultural settings serving young children--first as a state senator, and also as director of both the Nebraska and Iowa Departments of Health and Human Services.