Penney fell in the love with Palmer during her honeymoon road trip from Northern New York in 2012. After their marriage, they starting driving north, ended up in Palmer and decided to stay. Both she and her husband are military veterans who met in Iraq as contractors in 2010. Having traveled independently all over the world for over 20 years, they decided to settle in Alaska and make this their forever home. Within a month of moving to Alaska, Penney began volunteering in her community working with senior citizens, veterans, and foster children in various organizations. Soon she was working with nonprofits and found her passion in building community.
While working with Alaska Community Foundation, Penney was introduced to Palmer Community Foundation and now sits on PCF’s board. Penney’s nonprofit background includes senior services and grant management. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting as well as a Master’s in Economics and International Relations. Penney served in the Marines for five years and was an overseas contractor prior to coming to Alaska. Her background is in finance, accounting, taxes, business management and risk assessment covering a broad spectrum of industries including mainstream for-profit organizations, government entities, and nonprofit agencies.
Penney’s passion is to be connected to mission, have impact within her community, and give back to others. Penney’s philanthropic interests include social justice, veterans, and rescued animals. She is an active volunteer with several local nonprofits including veterans’ organizations, AARP Taxaide, and fostering dogs for the Matsu Animal Shelter.
Penny was drawn to Palmer Community Foundation when she first learned about them. “I love living in Palmer and working for the betterment of our community. Having worked with local nonprofits since moving here, my passion is to give back to my own community. Working together with our neighbors, I feel that we can continue to make Palmer the best place to live, work, and play in Alaska.”