Meet the Board: Jennifer Schenkel

Born and raised in Marietta, Jennifer Schenkel grew up in a home where community and family always came first. Her parents, both educators, instilled in her a strong sense of compassion, while her father demonstrated the power of hands-on service through his long-standing involvement with the East Muskingum Civic Association (EMCA).

“My parents weren’t originally from Washington County, but they quickly fell in love with how neighbors looked out for one another here,” Jennifer shared. “That sense of community really stayed with me.”

Today, Jennifer and her husband, Ben, continue to live out that legacy of service. Married for 25 years, they’ve raised two daughters—Claire and Katelyn—who are both actively engaged in their community. As a family, the Schenkel’s remain deeply committed to their work with the EMCA in Devola.

Jennifer’s professional path reflects the same commitment to her community. After earning her degree in public accounting from Marietta College, she began her career at the State Auditor’s Office in Southeast Ohio. As a Senior Audit Manager, she focused on empowering organizations, not just helping them meet standards, but teaching them how to thrive.

“I wanted to change the way people felt about audits,” she explained. “It shouldn’t be something to fear. I wanted clients to walk away with tools, clarity, and the confidence to do better.”

In 2012, Jennifer joined Wark Accounting, and by 2015, she had purchased the firm. Today, she leads a team that offers a full suite of services, including tax planning, bookkeeping, cash flow analysis, business startup consulting, policy development, and outsourced CFO support. Her leadership is defined by trust, transparency, and a deep understanding that every financial document represents real people with real goals.

So, when Jennifer was invited to join the Board of Directors of Marietta Community Foundation, it felt like a full-circle moment for her

“I can still remember the moment I was approached,” Jennifer recalled. “I thought, ‘This is too good to be true.’ I had been following the Foundation’s work for so long, admiring its dedication to making a lasting impact on the community. To be asked to join the board felt surreal.”

For those who know Jennifer, her appointment to the board is no surprise. Her life—both personal and professional—reflects the very mission of the Foundation: to serve, support, and strengthen the community she’s always called home.