ALBANY–Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York (JFNENY) has named Jennifer Lean its new director of development. She will oversee Women’s Philanthropy, the annual campaign, and Major Gifts and Corporate Sponsorships.

Lean brings to her new job more than 15 years of experience building relationships, developing partnerships and growing revenue for her previous employers. Most recently, she served as director of business operations and growth at Latham-based Pretty Rugged, where she built and stewarded relationships with more than 400 retail partners. She also developed corporate gifting and institutional partnerships and grew the company’s corporate partnerships and hospitality program by 94 percent.

“Jennifer knows how to build relationships that last,” said Rob Kovach, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York. “She has done that in business and through years of service to our local Jewish community. Her experience and commitment will help us deepen connections with donors and partners and bring more people into the work of strengthening Jewish life.”

Originally from Slingerlands, Lean, and her husband, Matthew, returned to this region after 14 years in New York City to raise their two children and now live in Niskayuna. They are congregants of Temple Gates of Heaven. She has served on the executive board of directors of the Schenectady Jewish Community Center for eight years, has been co-chairwoman of its annual gala and served on its capital planning campaign. She earned a bachelor’s degree in international trade and marketing and an associate degree in fashion merchandising management from the Fashion Institute of Technology.