NTN Board Named Jeni Kilpela Executive Director

The Marquette-based organization officially appointed Jeni Kilpela to lead the group full-time.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in People

NTN Board Named Jeni Kilpela Executive Director

The NTN Board of Directors has appointed Jeni Kilpela as the organization's executive director. Kilpela previously served in the role on an interim basis for several months.

Why it matters

This leadership change provides permanent oversight for the Marquette-based NTN as it continues its mission. Kilpela steps into the permanent role after proving her ability to manage staff and volunteers while strengthening partner relationships.

Jeni Kilpela joined the NTN in 2023 to serve as the organization's outreach coordinator. Her tenure with the group has spanned multiple roles leading up to her current permanent appointment.

The players

Jeni Kilpela

She is the newly appointed executive director of the NTN who previously served as the group's outreach coordinator.

NTN

This is a Marquette-based organization that manages relationships with local landowners and community partners.

The details

Kilpela was selected following a period where she successfully supported the group's staff and volunteers while managing key relationships with landowners and community partners. She brings experience from her initial role as outreach coordinator to the executive director position.

Jeni Kilpela first joined the NTN organization in 2023.
The official appointment announcement was made on September 23, 2026.

Market Landscape

This leadership transition mirrors the standard non-profit executive succession process, where organizations often favor internal candidates with established institutional knowledge. By appointing Kilpela, the NTN maintains continuity in its community outreach and partner management efforts.

Members and local partners of the NTN can expect continued stability as Kilpela transitions into the full-time executive role. The appointment ensures consistent communication and operational oversight for those working directly with the organization.

The takeaway

Internal promotions for executive roles often serve as a strategy to minimize organizational disruption during leadership transitions. Readers looking to enter leadership roles should focus on building strong internal relationships to demonstrate their value as potential successors.