Jennifer Tucker, Ph.D.

My name is Jennifer Tucker.  I began life at a very young age. After two successful years of nursery school, I embarked on a 17 year adventure through the U.S. educational system to get my college degree.  I then experimented with a range of different professions, including geology, public relations, and management consulting.  Over time, I realized that group facilitation and project management are among my favorite activities, as these reframe my kindergarten report card feedback of “bossy” into professional feedback like “skilled at keeping groups on task.” Along my professional path, I completed another nine years of education, ending with the relief that comes from being Phinally Done (Ph.D.).  Today, I lead the National Organic Program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

On a more serious note.... 

In June 2018, I became the Deputy Administrator of the USDA National Organic Program. Prior to that, I was the program's Associate Deputy Administrator for almost seven years. Before joining Federal service, I spent 13 years as an organization development consultant, where my work focused on organization assessments, strategic planning, work group facilitation, communications, and leadership development. In 2008, I authored Introduction to Type and Project Management, part of CPP’s popular Introduction to Type Series.  My type preferences are INFJ. 

I hold a Ph.D. in Science and Technology Studies from Virginia Tech, where my research was on the motivational factors involved in scientific data sharing. I completed my M.S. in Management from Purdue University in Indiana, and a B.A. in Environmental Sciences from Wesleyan University in Connecticut.
     

Content on this website reflects my views only, and does not represent the USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service, or the National Organic Program.