Interfaith Action Welcomes New Chief Program Officer

Jody Emmings joined Interfaith Action of Greater Saint Paul as Chief Program Officer on January 27. In her new role, Jody will provide strategic leadership to strengthen and align the organization’s programs. She looks forward to working closely with program leaders to ensure that initiatives are sustainable, context-driven, and responsive to community needs. As a member of the senior leadership team, Jody bridges big-picture goals with on-the-ground impact, creating systems that support both innovation and stability.  

On her first Friday as part of the team, Jody shared: “As I wrap up my first week, I feel so grateful to be here—meeting the staff and families, soaking in the spirit and warmth of the sites, and witnessing firsthand the energy and purpose that drive all the amazing things happening across IFA.”

With over two decades of experience, Jody has built and led initiatives that cultivate creativity, collaboration, and meaningful connections. Previously, she directed Macalester College’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation hub, overseeing six core programs, an annual ideathon, and launching the Idea Lab—expanding opportunities for bold ideas and hands-on problem-solving. Drawing on her expertise in human-centered design and systems thinking, she focuses on building trust, fostering collaboration, and helping Interfaith Action navigate change with clarity and purpose. Jody is grateful to be part of a team whose deep knowledge, optimism, and commitment keep families at the heart of their work—even in uncertain times. 

Outside of work, Jody is a metal artist and blacksmith with dual citizenship in Luxembourg. She loves color, roller skating (clumsily) and starting new knitting projects. Jody and her partner, Eric, have four kids and a crabby cat named Annie.