Jennifer Carney
Board Member | CPA | Financial & Community Leader
Why Fitting Futures Matters to Me
I’ve always had a passion for kids’ causes. When the opportunity to assist Fitting Futures with budgeting and financial reporting projects came along, I was all-in. It’s a perfect way to put my many years of accounting, auditing, budgeting, and learning experience to good use.
And even better—the passionate and fun people I get to work with!
My Work & Community
Jennifer is a Lincoln native and UNL graduate. Apart from a four-year detour working for a Des Moines banking group, her post-graduate CPA career was with Grant Thornton’s Audit Practice. She served clients in the financial services and construction industries before moving to Grant Thornton’s national office on December 1, 2001. Coincidentally, Enron declared bankruptcy that week!
Prior to her retirement in 2022, Jennifer was the National Partner in Charge of Audit Learning, based in Chicago.
Life Outside of Work
Jennifer enjoys spending time with her mom, catching up with friends—including many she met in high school (go Spartans!)—and trying new restaurants in Omaha with her daughter, Peyton, and husband, Eric. She has a beautiful new granddaughter that she spends a lot of time with!
A Few Things About Jennifer
What is one fun fact people may not know about you?
When Grant Thornton sold their Nebraska practice, I worked from my “home office” in Lincoln for several years, making me the OG of work-from-home. I was really blessed to be home most of the time when my daughter Peyton was in grade school and middle school!
The pandemic brought it full-circle in 2020—coming back from Chicago to work in that same home office, while Peyton moved home for a time. Seeing her in action at work was the ultimate proud parent moment!
What is your favorite activity to do in Lincoln?
Play Mahjong with friends. And of course, Husker football, volleyball, and basketball!
What is your favorite place to eat in Lincoln?
For nostalgia eating chile rellenos at Tico’s! For the affordable high school choice it’s Taco Inn. A favorite south side choice is Momo’s.
