Jennifer Seifert, PhD 
Principal

About

Jen Seifert, PhD, serves as the Principal of PROGRESS Appalachia & President/CEO of Master Tool Operating System (MT.OS), where she leads tech-forward community-development initiatives aimed at utilizing technology to foster resilience and empowerment in the Appalachian region and beyond. With a PhD in Communication and Media Studies from Ohio University and a master’s in Communication Studies from West Virginia University, Jen has been a driving force in tech-forward place-based community development projects in the Appalachian region.

As a seasoned social entrepreneur, Jen has successfully managed large-scale fundraising and grant investments, securing millions in funding to support vital programs addressing domestic violence, workforce development, and trauma-informed care. Her expertise extends to overseeing the implementation of strategic initiatives including an international network of Advanced Building Construction Innovation Ecosystems and holistic transitional housing developments (i.e., Resilience Villages).