Jenna Mehnert Baker, DPA, MSW, SHRM-CP is the Chief Executive Officer of the American Association of Suicidology. Dr. Mehnert Baker is responsible for implementing the association’s strategic plan and ensuring that agency operations align with best-practice standards. She leads AAS’s partnership development and policy initiatives, with a focus on strengthening connections with call centers, allied national organizations, and local suicide prevention coalitions.

Dr. Mehnert Baker has previously led three member-focused organizations, including the Pennsylvania chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), where she was recognized as the 2011 National NASW Executive Director of the Year. She has also held four politically appointed roles in policy and program funding, including serving as a state mental health policy director.

Dr. Mehnert Baker holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania and a Doctorate in Public Administration from West Chester University. She is a Results-Based Accountability Fellow with the J.T. Gorman Foundation and holds the Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) credential.

Katherine has worked in the nonprofit sector for 15 years supporting crisis services and trauma-informed programs. Her work began at the local crisis and 2-1-1 referral line, evolving into program leadership with a special interest around understanding systems and analytical applications while keeping a heart for the front-line work of serving and supporting those who do critical work. She specializes in process and data management, incorporating analytics into strategic development, change impact consideration, and the streamlining and operationalizing of system training, literacy and documentation. She promotes partnership collaboration to optimize systems and leverage organizational strategies, leading to collective impact opportunities, publications, and receiving the prestigious Presidential Volunteer Service Award in Service-Learning which honors those who use their skills to solve tough challenges.

Katherine is currently a technical consultant and mentor in nonprofit program data analytics, data privacy, and technology at Nashville Software School and Geek Cause, served on iCarol’s Crisis Product Advisory Board, and volunteers for Nashville’s Girls In Tech. She often serves as a translator, story teller, and mobilizer between the technical side of the work and the experience, helping stakeholders identify opportunities for innovation and improvement leading to more agile progression of implementations and improvements.

She earned her Baccalaureate of Science in Psychology from Cumberland University in 2010. Outside of using data for good and volunteering, Katherine enjoys cooking, dancing, being creative and spending time with her daughters, family, and friends.

Robert Coffey is the Director of Development at the American Association of Suicidology, bringing more than 20 years of nonprofit experience to the organization. In his role, Robert leads AAS’s development efforts, including fundraising, donor relations, and the planning and execution of initiatives that support the association’s mission-driven programs. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Hofstra University, with minors in Anthropology and Fine Arts. Prior to joining AAS, he served as Senior Manager of Development and Meeting Planning at the Huntington’s Disease Society of America.

Outside of work, Robert enjoys spending time with his family, including his dogs, gardening, camping, and being outdoors.

Laura is the Director of Training at the American Association of Suicidology, bringing more than a decade of nonprofit experience across education and crisis services to the organization. In their role, Laura leads AAS’s training operations, including identifying subject matter experts, overseeing the development and implementation of new content, and coordinating logistics with contracted trainers and partner organizations. Prior to joining AAS, Laura served as an Assistant Director at a crisis center.

Laura holds a Master of Arts in Gender and Sexuality Studies from George Washington University, where their research focused on restorative justice as a framework for responding to sexual violence and harm. Their work is shaped by experience as a sexual assault advocate and prevention educator, as well as by classroom teaching in the United States and in Malaysia, where they served as a Fulbright Program English Teaching Assistant.

Outside of work, Laura believes in the radical possibility of futures free from violence and oppression. They are passionate about community care, hosting dinners for friends and family, and the city of Buffalo.

Alicia Newkam is the Operations Manager at the American Association of Suicidology. In her role, Alicia supports organizational operations, financial processes, and conference planning. Prior to joining AAS, Alicia served as a Continuing Education Specialist at the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and visiting museums.

Anthony Merklinger is the Community Engagement Manager at the American Association of Suicidology, where he leads the organization’s communications strategy. With more than seven years of experience in corporate and mission-driven communications, Anthony specializes in strategic communications, brand management, and public relations. He holds a Master of Science in Public Relations and Corporate Communication from New York University, a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Full Sail University, and is a member of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).