Jeremy Hanson Willis, a seasoned leader with over three decades of experience, has driven strategic transformation across diverse sectors, including nonprofit, public, and private organizations. His expertise in equity-driven organizational change showcases a deep commitment to operational excellence and a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams to deliver impactful results.
As Reconstructing Judaism’s vice president for strategic advancement, he oversees the organization’s fundraising and communications efforts and help guide strategy as an integral member of the presidential cabinet. His is inspired by Reconstructing Judaism’s mission and, throughout his career, has been driven by a passion for social justice, anti-racism and tikkun olam.
Jeremy served as the chief executive officer of Rainbow Health from 2019 to 2024, where he built and oversaw a strategic advancement team. Under his leadership, the organization expanded its mental and chemical health services, introduced a free online sexual health pharmacy, and implemented aging programs for older LGBTQ+ adults and individuals living with HIV. Jeremy served as the deputy Commissioner of Workforce Development for the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) from 2014 to 2019. In this position, he was responsible for coordinating the department’s diverse workforce development initiatives and aligning training and work readiness resources with the needs of Minnesota businesses. DEED’s workforce programs encompass efforts to prepare youth and adults for in-demand careers, reduce employment disparities, provide economic support to individuals with disabilities and unemployment, and assist employers in building, recruiting, and retaining skilled workers.
Earlier in his career, Jeremy spent nine years in various roles with the City of Minneapolis, including serving as executive director of the Department of Community Planning and Economic Development. Additionally, he served as the chief of staff to Mayor R.T. Rybak, where he led the Mayor’s Office staff and collaborated with City leadership to implement Mayor Rybak’s agenda, with a focus on fostering economic growth and workforce development.
Before embarking on his city government career, Jeremy honed his skills as a communications consultant at Tunheim Partners. During this period, he supported public advocacy campaigns for both business and nonprofit clients, providing strategic guidance in communications, media relations, coalition building, and grassroots advocacy. Jeremy’s commitment to public service extended to nearly ten years in nonprofit issue and legislative advocacy. He championed statewide public policy agendas for the Minnesota AIDS Project and the Minnesota Smoke-Free Coalition.
With farm roots near Ada, Minn., Jeremy has engaged communities in countless rural, suburban and urban areas. His educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in communications, political science, and gender studies from Macalester College. He further enriched his knowledge and skills as a policy forum fellow at the University of Minnesota Humphrey Institute and an urban partners fellow at the Harvard University Kennedy School.
Jeremy Hanson Willis shares how his life, values, and vision shape his new leadership role at Reconstructing Judaism. He speaks about racial justice, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and building a vibrant Jewish future rooted in equity and belonging.
