Jene Tillis brings over two decades of leadership and operational expertise to her new role as Chief Operating Officer at KIPP St. Louis Public Schools. With a deep-rooted commitment to organizational excellence and a strong foundation in public health, quality improvement, and human services, Jene has led high-performing teams across nonprofit, government, and health sectors.

Most recently, Jene served as Performance Management & Quality Improvement Manager at the Missouri Public Health Institute, where she advanced data-informed practices and strategic improvements across the state. Prior to that, she served as Chief Program Officer at Core Collective, overseeing programmatic growth and operational strategy.

Jene’s leadership journey includes serving as Director of Operations at Every Child’s Hope and Area Director at the Missouri Mentor Network, where she implemented systems to improve compliance, staff development, and performance outcomes. Her earlier roles at the Missouri Department of Social Services and St. Louis County Government shaped her passion for impactful service delivery and organizational accountability.

She holds a master’s degree in management from Fontbonne University, B.A. in Psychology and an A.S. in Allied Health from Oakwood University.

Jene is known for her collaborative leadership style, strategic mindset, and unwavering commitment to children and families. At KIPP St. Louis, she will lead our operations and support services, ensuring every school and student is equipped to thrive—every day.