Casey Jolley ‘03 graduated from DePauw University in 2007 with majors in Communications and Film. She worked at Whitfield as the Alumni Relations and Special Events Coordinator from 2007-2014. Now, she is the Director of Project Management and Business Development for NMBL Strategies. Casey is also currently in her first year as our Alumni Advisory Board President. Her brother, Drew Jolley, graduated from Whitfield in 2008.
Why did you join the Alumni Advisory Board (AAB)?
As alumni, we all remember Whitfield at a certain point in time and the traditions, new and old, we loved. I want to help continue to create those memories and experiences for future alumni. More broadly, I joined the AAB because it offers a platform to help drive programs and initiatives that can positively impact students, alumni, and Whitfield’s future. I want to create more events with alumni input and increase overall alumni engagement with each other and with the school to ensure that Whitfield thrives for years to come.
Describe how Whitfield prepared you for college and beyond.
I learned to manage my time well and to prioritize tasks to meet deadlines, which is still very much a skill I need with my work in general and when working from home specifically. I also have never worried about having to write essays in college and reports for work due to the writing instruction I received at Whitfield. Last, entering college I was also able to test out of having to take a math or a world language class; thank you, Whitfield!
What are some of your favorite Whitfield memories?
There are so many memories. I always loved bonfire and the lip sync competition, specifically our “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and “Under the Sea” victories. I also loved being a part of the dance team and performing at halftime for basketball, pep assemblies, bonfire, and competitions. Last, meeting one of my best friends, Brad, on the first day of 7th grade and hanging out with friends in the commons before school are great memories.
What were some of your favorite classes at Whitfield? Why?
I loved social studies! History still fascinates me, and it made me excited to work at multiple museums throughout my career. I also loved my art classes and the ability to bring my visions to life. I would have loved to stay with painting in college, but instead, I have a major in Film, specifically storytelling and cinematic editing - which comes in handy at a few trivia nights!
What skills do you use in your career that you began forming at Whitfield?
I developed many skills at Whitfield, but feeling confident in asking questions and engaging in conversation was one of the most important. We had so many small group conversations about whatever the topic at hand was and were empowered to come up with our own opinions and back them up with credible sources.
I also learned how to listen. I cannot tell you how much I have learned by having the ability to listen to others. I have worked in multiple museums, and I was able to quickly learn and internalize the tours that the wonderful volunteers and education staff would give to visitors and be able to share that relevant information with others. I currently work on strategic plans, and part of that is interviewing stakeholders where I ask some questions but ultimately get to listen and record their experiences and perceptions of the organization.
I graduated with a strong understanding of how to be self-reliant. I knew I could ask my teachers for help, but I can still hear my art teacher Ms. Kram’s voice in my head, asking, “How would you solve the problem?” before she would give her advice.
Public speaking, time management, and adaptability are also key skills I learned at Whitfield.
Describe your career.
I am currently the Director of Project Management and Business Development for NMBL Strategies. I do strategic planning and operation planning for businesses. I specialize in staff and board training, event planning, membership, donor relations, and public program development.
Before NMBL, I worked at numerous museums including the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati and locally at the Gateway Arch Park Foundation and the National Blues Museum in downtown St. Louis.
I enjoy developing goals and doing strategic visioning for businesses to help define their plans for the future. It is rewarding to work with new and established businesses to help with their strategic thinking to achieve long-term success.
I love being a consultant. It allows me to work with one client on board management, one client on marketing and communication plans, and another on event planning for a conference of 150. There is always something new to do and new to learn.
I work from home and love having the opportunity to be home with my daughter (just under 2 years old) while still being able to help clients.
I also teach fitness classes - weight training, cardio kickboxing, spinning, core class, and a yoga/pilates class. I have been teaching group fitness since I was 17 (a junior at Whitfield). My first training was for kickboxing and it was out of town so my dad had to go along for the weekend because I could not rent a hotel room by myself!