Jennifer Whelihan, M.A.

Jennifer Whelihan has worked for the federal government (U.S. Army Public Affairs Office), state government (Florida House of Representatives), and local government (Hillsborough County). Jennifer has also worked in higher education at the University of Tampa as an adjunct professor where she taught communication courses with a focus on technology and new media. In her current role as a manager at Hillsborough County, she is working to foster a more innovative economy through policy initiatives and grant programs that focus on turning new ideas and innovations into businesses that create jobs, increase competitiveness, and promote economic growth.

Jennifer’s goals in service to her District are to serve with the highest integrity and professionalism, working with her fellow Board Supervisors and colleagues to excel in achieving a safe community that is in compliance, and to make positive progress to meet the needs of our residents, while maintaining a clean and beautiful environment that is enjoyable for all. From 2014 to 2019, Jennifer served as her previous community’s HOA President and Board Member. Under her leadership as President, her community received the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners Neighborhood Best Beautification Project Award in 2016.

Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Media Communication and Master of Arts in Interactive and New Communication Technology degrees from Florida State University.

Jennifer Whelihan’s leadership and community involvement has led her to attain other skills and recognitions to include being selected for Leadership Tampa Alumni (class of 2018), Member of the NFL Hispanic Leaders Alliance (HLA), and selected as a Tampa Bay Business Journal BizWoman Mentor (2019, 2020). Jennifer was awarded Rotarian of the Year 2020 by Rotary Club of Tampa Westshore, selected as a 2019 Tampa Bay Inno on Fire winner, honored as the 2019 TiE Tampa Bay’s TiETAN Community Champion Award recipient, selected as 2018 Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 as an emerging leader and innovator in the Tampa Bay business community, and received the 2017 NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Jennifer was honored to be recognized as a finalist in the Tampa Bay Business Journal 2015 BusinessWoman of the Year.

She currently serves as Board Member for Synapse Inc. and the Florida-Israel Business Accelerator (FIBA). She is a member of International Economic Development Council (IEDC), Florida Venture Forum, The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) Tampa Bay, USF Research Foundation Council of Professionals, and Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association (AFCEA). She has served as a Board Member of Rotary Club Tampa Westshore, The Centre for Women, Empath Choices for Care, Sheriff's Hispanic Advisory Council (SHAC), Representative and Vice Chair for the Hillsborough County Commission on the Status of Women (COSW), Honorary Chair for Hispanic Professional Women's Association (HPWA) in Tampa Bay where she received the Leadership Excellence Award for outstanding service to her community during her years as President, Leadership Hillsborough Alumni (class of 2007), Vice President of Tampa Seminole Club, Member of American Advertising Federation (AAF), and Friends of the Tampa Museum of Art.

On a personal note, in addition to her love for her community, Jennifer is a new mother and loves spending time with her family, exploring Tampa Bay’s parks, businesses, and wealth of attractions.