Jake Peters
CHIEF OPERATing OFFICER
Jake Peters is a humanitarian leader with over twenty years of progressive experience in nonprofit leadership. With a strong background in program leadership, community engagement, and volunteer management, he has consistently delivered extraordinary results with innovation and through collaboration with his colleagues.
Jake grew up in rural Oklahoma. He spent most of his life around the Oklahoma City metro. He attended the University of Oklahoma where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Administrative Leadership.
Jake’s journey in the nonprofit sector began in 2004, serving as the Assistant Director of the American Red Cross in Stillwater, Oklahoma—home of the Oklahoma State University Cowboys. This role granted him the opportunity to fulfill a strong desire to serve his community through his work. Using his creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, Jake shined in the role. The experience brought forth opportunities for growth with the American Red Cross over the next 20 years.
He took a step forward with a transition to Chapter Executive Director. Here Jake supported multiple chapters for several years, helping to establish strong foundations for growth with each. Jake then turned his focus to fundraising, working with major donors, leading special events and managing direct response efforts. Thereafter, Jake joined the Volunteer Services team where he implemented and led a targeted recruitment of volunteers. He helped engage and supported the retention of over 3,000 volunteers across various states. Jake proceeded to join the Operations team, enhancing processes through automation and improvements to technology. This led to staff time efficiencies and improved client satisfaction all around.
Most recently, Jake served as the Senior Director of Disaster Programs, supporting volunteers and staff through preparedness for response and recovery procedures for communities following disasters. Through this role, Jake led partnerships with critical government agencies, ensuring smooth response efforts that fostered greater community resiliency.
When Hurricane Harvey struck Houston, Jake visited the area and spent six weeks here to assist with relief efforts. Falling in love with Texas, its hospitality, and the rich culture the city offered, Jake moved to Houston in 2018 and became a Texas transplant. When Jake is not working, he can be found in his art studio, watching sports, trying a local restaurant, exploring nature with his partner, Jordan, or spoiling his pup, DumDum.