Stephanie McGencey

Dr. Stephanie McGencey is a staunch advocate for children, youth, families, and communities. She is the Executive Director of the American Youth Policy Forum, a national, nonprofit organization that works to educate, engage, and inform policymakers and practitioners about education, youth, and workforce policies to improve the lives and outcomes of traditionally underserved youth.

She has over 26 years of progressive experience in public health (health education), community and organizational development, and program management. Her work with youth, women, community coalitions, and underserved populations on issues such as HIV/AIDS prevention, mental health, early childhood, youth development and substance abuse prevention has enabled her to develop a unique understanding of the types of supports needed to meet the needs of vulnerable children, youth, and families.

Dr. McGencey has served as Executive Director of Grantmakers for Children Youth and Families, Senior Director of Private Philanthropy at the Council on Foundations and, most recently, as the Senior Director of the Ready Reentry Project for the Convergence Center for Policy Resolution, an organization focused on solving social challenges through collaboration. She is also founder and president of the Women’s Equity Center and Action Network.

During her career, Dr. McGencey served in senior -staff positions for two national membership associations providing membership support, training, technical assistance, research, and policy analysis support to their national networks. She has also worked in a local health department, community-based organizations, local government, and the private sector, yielding a unique perspective on how to build cross-sector collaborations that best leverage limited resources.