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The Bartlesville Community Foundation (BCF) announces the promotion of Laura Jensen to the position of Executive Director, effective July 1, 2022.

Jensen has held various roles within the Foundation and managed many organization projects since joining the team in 2017. Prior to the Foundation, Jensen spent six years in the banking industry.

To be tapped to serve in this new role is a huge honor for Jensen, who says growing the Foundation will be all about building relationships and utilizing tools BCF has at its disposal for the betterment of the community. Jensen says BCF is a resource that helps others reach philanthropic goals. She says the BCF will always identify community needs/issues to help the general population in Bartlesville and the surrounding area.

Jensen has a primary bachelor’s degree in Public Health and a secondary bachelor’s degree in Gerontology from Kansas State University. She also obtained a master’s degree in Business Administration from Rogers State University.

In a statement, BCF Board Chair Cana Mize said:

“Laura’s professional and educational background along with her commitment to this community make her an ideal fit for this role. We look forward to her future at the Foundation.”

BCF has doubled in size in assets over the past few years. Jensen says this growth has given them more flexibility, which has allowed them to be a more self-sustaining organization. She says they have had the ability to use unrestrictive dollars.

For example, the Foundation was able to provide a collaboration grant approximately 5.5. years ago that encouraged local groups to work together. Jensen says this was awarded to Bartlesville Public Schools Foundation in partnership with Bartlesville Public Schools, the YMCA, and Run the Streets. She says this created the "Bruins on the Run" program for younger students that gives them a healthy outlet and allows teachers to be a mentor.

BCF has been able to grow in all of their program areas as well. Jensen says they awarded $144,000 in scholarships to area high schools. She says these dollars went to all schools in the area as the organization looks to develop and invest more in our communities.

More on the scholarships that were awarded can be found here.

Jensen is a graduate of Leadership Bartlesville Class 27, is a member of the City of Bartlesville’s Board of Adjustment, Noon Rotary, Run the Streets Inc. board, and is a volunteer on other various nonprofit committees.

Laura moved to Bartlesville in 2015 with her husband Spencer, a Data Engineer with Phillips 66. Together, they have one daughter.

Mike Wilt plans to step down from the position of Executive Director at the end of June. Jensen says she has had the pleasure of working alongside Wilt and Shawn Crawford. She says she will take the leadership and knowledge that they have passed on into her new role.

A private reception will be held for Wilt to thank him for his time with the Foundation.

If you wish to become a BCF partner or get in contact with Jensen, you can call 918.337.2287 or send an email to laura@bartlesvillecf.org.

BCF is located at 208 E. 4th Street in Bartlesville. You can find more information on the Foundation at bartlesvillecf.org.