MSU Extension MI Money Health

Jinnifer Ortquist is a Senior Extension Educator, who began her career with Michigan State University (MSU) Extension as a children, youth and families educator in Ottawa County.  She now serves on the Financial and Homeownership Education Work Team, providing education in Allegan, Barry, Kent and Ottawa counties, as well as state-wide opportunities.

Ortquist serves as the team co-point of contact for both the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA).  She is a Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) on numerous state and federal grants and assists with program and compliance management. 

Ortquist also served a three-year term as the organizational Advocate and Facilitator (formerly the Ombudsman, 2019-2021).  She has been with the organization for over 19 years.

 Education:

• Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, from Western Michigan University
• Master of Science Degree in Family Relations and Child Development, from Oklahoma State University.

Certifications:

• Certificate of Project Management – Institute for Professional Excellence: Davenport University, MI - 2022
• HUD Certified Housing Counselor: 2019 – Present
• Foundations of Organizational Ombudsman Practice, International Ombudsman Association: 2019
• Mental Health First Aid USA, National Council for Mental Wellbeing: 2018 – Present
• Financial Fitness Coach - ACFPE® and Sage Financial Solutions: 2018-2020
• Certified Human Resource Specialist: 2016 – Present
• University of Minnesota Financial Educator Certificate Program: 2015
• NeighborWorks® Center for Homeownership Education and Counseling Certifications in:
  • Foreclosure Intervention and Default Counseling: 2016 - Present
  • Post Purchase Homeownership Education: 2015 - Present
  • Financial Capability: 2014-Present
  • Homeownership Counseling: 2014 - Present
  • Pre-Purchase Homeownership Education: 2013- Present
• Smart Choice Health Insurance Educator Training: University of Maryland Extension, 2013
• Certified Family Life Educator, National Council on Family Relations: 2005 - Present

Publications:

• Tobe, E., Eschbach, C., Weber, R., Ortquist, J., & Hendrian, B. (2021). Behavior change for low-income households resulting from university extension’s financial capability program.  Journal of Financial Counseling and Planning. 32(2): 231-241. doi:10.1891/JFCP-19-00020 

• Ortquist, J. & Brown, L. (2017, Qtr. 3). More on Scams and Identity Theft.  The Standard Newsletter - Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education® (AFCPE).

https://www.afcpe.org/news-and-publications/the-standard/2017-3/more-on-scams-and-identity-theft/

Awards/Honors:

• National Extension Diversity Award (Michigan State University Extension Housing Policy Team), 2024
• National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals (NACDEP) - North Central Regional Winner Excellence in Teamwork (Michigan State University Extension Housing Policy Team), 2024
• MSU John Hannah Award - MSHDA Regional Housing Plan Initiative – Team, 2023
• MSU Extension Senior Employment Status, 2018
• MSU Extension Institute Team Award – Financial and Homeownership Education Team, 2015
• National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences - 2nd Place, Central Region, Communications Award: Television, 2009
• National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Communication Award: Written News, 2009.
• Michigan Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences - 1st Place, Communications Award: Television, 2009
• Michigan Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences - 1st Place, Communications Award: Radio, 2009
• MSU Extension Affiliate Status, 2009
• Television Host - Holland City Connections. Program on the Holland Cable TV (HCTV), public access television serving the City of Holland, Michigan, 2009
• 4H National Program of Distinction (POD) Reviewer, 2009
• National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Communication Award: Television, 2007
• Michigan Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Communication Award: Television, 2007
• Michigan Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Communication Award: Educational Publication, 2006
• National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Communication Award: Newsletter, 2005
• Michigan Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Communication Award: Newsletter, 2005
• National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Central Regional Finalist - 2nd Place, Communication Award: Newsletter, 2004
• Michigan Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Regional Finalist, Communication Award: Newsletter, 2004
• National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Central Regional Finalist - 3rd Place, Communication Award: Radio, 2004
• Michigan Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Regional Finalist, Communication Award: Radio, 2004
• Michigan Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences – Joan Rojkovich McGarry Applied Research Team Award, 2004
• Michigan Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences – Excellence Award, 2003
• Leadership Recognition for facilitation “Changing the Scene Through Team Nutrition” at Van Raalte Elementary School, Holland, MI, 2002-2003