Jessica S.

Chief Brand & Culture Officer

My time at Gardner has been shaped by a simple conviction: when we prioritize doing what is right for people, great outcomes follow. Growing up in South Africa gave me a deep appreciation for how differently life can look and feel, and how much beauty, human connection, and community truly matter. That perspective shapes my passion for building a company culture where people can thrive, and where we use our resources and responsibility to keep people at the center of everything we build.

I’m driven by curiosity, collaboration, and the continuous learning (and unlearning) that it takes to create something meaningful. I’m at my best working alongside values-centered teams who solve problems together and bring ideas to life. Outside of work, you’ll find me creating – painting, building furniture, tearing down walls, or gardening – and in the summer, trying to do all of that at once at our cabin.

Favorite Tool:

Imagination.

Little Known Facts:

I signed up to study abroad without knowing where I’d be placed, and I landed in St. Cloud!

I am a professional photographer.