Jennifer Anastasoff
‘We Had Some of the Best People in the Country:’ Jennifer Anastasoff on Attracting Individuals Who Want to Make a Difference
| Jennifer Anastasoff was a founding member of the US Digital Service’s executive team and its first Head of People, serving from 2014 to 2017. Prior, Jennifer was a serial entrepreneur who launched three organizations bridging the business realm and the public interest. Before that, Jennifer was a sixth grade teacher with Teach for America. |
Jennifer Anastatoff was one of the earliest hires at the US Digital Service and its first Head of People. In turn, she played a critical role in growing the organization from a group of 10 to scores of staff working across multiple agencies.
Jennifer brought a wealth of experience to her role, having launched three social enterprises that bridged the divide between the business world and public service. She brought an intensely thoughtful approach to recruiting, taking into account potential hires’ skills, backgrounds, and responsibilities outside of work.
Below, Jennifer discusses her hiring philosophy, USDS’s personality traits, and being asked to join the federal government “on behalf of the President of the United States.”