Meet Our Team: Q&A with Jennifer Duffy, Managing Director

What brought you to Sellers Dorsey?
Sellers Dorsey’s mission to improve access to healthcare for underserved populations is the magnet that pulled me initially to the Firm six years ago.  My prior governor’s office and senior staff level experience within state departments managing high-profile policy initiatives tailored fittingly with the Firm’s overall objectives.  The internal interaction with colleagues and suite of clients provides me the opportunity for growth while fulfilling the mission of providing improved ways to help the people most in need.

What is your expertise?
For nearly twenty years, I have been fortunate to accumulate strategic policy development experience and have made many strong relationships with both policymakers and program experts within the field.  I bring these attributes to the table every day for our clients which makes Sellers Dorsey the best one-of-a-kind Firm that it is.

What is your superpower and what is your kryptonite?
Listen first, analyze, formalize a plan, and bring people together to achieve the intended collective goal.  This is my strength.  My focus on providing thoughtful and complete work on complex issues may at times prevent me from accepting an expanding concept of additional or new projects.

My kryptonite is Entenmann’s Chocolate Fudge Iced Cake.

What is a project that you’ve worked on at Sellers Dorsey that you’re especially proud of?
I am incredibly proud to have opened our practice in New Jersey.  I have the opportunity to continue to serve the state in which I love alongside an incredible, talented, and passionate team that works to do good every day.

What do you enjoy most about your role at Sellers Dorsey?
Simply, the direct and tangible impact on public policy that affects people in need.  I get to sit at the table with dedicated state officials in shaping important policy which achieve our shared goals.

What is a fun fact that people would be surprised to learn about you?
Growing up in South Jersey, I taught swim lessons to all ages and abilities at our local public pool. One of the people I taught how to swim appeared on Survivor.  At the time, reality TV was a new concept.  The contestant had no idea how to swim and said to me he was going to be dropped off in the middle of a desolate island with nothing.  So, not only did I teach a soon to be TV star how to swim, but I may also have saved his life too.

What was your very first job?
Short order franchise food service industry.  Otherwise known as a cashier at the local King of Burgers.  At a young age, this job taught me the value and importance of showing up on time, polite customer service and developed my communication skills by learning to listen first.  Lessons I carry today and try to pass on.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Family time brings me much joy in my life balanced with the work I do at the firm.  In particularly playing with and reading books to our five-year-old son.

What is your all-time favorite book and/or movie?
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett and all things Star Wars movies.

Want to learn more about Jennifer’s experience? Click here to explore her role at Sellers Dorsey and her 10 years of expertise in public policy.