Jennie Birkholz, MHA, serves as a Director at Coastal Watch Association, where she advances environmental justice efforts across the Texas Gulf Coast by partnering with frontline communities impacted by petrochemical expansion, pollution, and large-scale industrial development. Her work focuses on strengthening community power, advancing equitable policy solutions, and building systems that protect both people and the ecosystems they depend on. As a consultant, she partners with faith-based organizations to dream differently.

With more than 25 years of experience in healthcare, community health, and civic leadership, Jennie brings deep expertise in systems frameworks, social determinants of health, and cross-sector collaboration. She specializes in helping organizations and communities understand how health, environment, infrastructure, policy, and economic systems intersect and in building practical, community-rooted strategies that create healthier, more equitable, and more resilient communities.

A recognized leader in health equity and community transformation, Jennie has advised national initiatives, worked alongside philanthropic and healthcare leaders, and helped communities build civic capacity to create lasting change. Her leadership spans grassroots organizing, policy advocacy, strategic partnerships, and coalition-building, always centering the voices of those closest to the challenges.

Jennie’s work is also informed by her experience as a Deaconess Candidate with the United Methodist Church, alongside a career dedicated to advancing justice, belonging, and community-led change.