JILL RICE | 20 Under 40
Written and compiled by KELLY POTTER and LAUREN JURGENSEN | Photos by JOHN BURNS
Jill is the director of ministries at Fellowship Hi-Crest, where she leads more than 75 volunteers and staff across multiple areas.
Since 2020, she has implemented transformative community initiatives that include the Summer Fireworks Extravaganza and the Teacher Resource Fair. She has been a pivotal part of COVID-19 relief efforts and earned the Shawnee County Public Health Champion Award in 2022.
Jill’s leadership roles include her work with Hi-Crest NIA, where she secured $1 million in grants for neighborhood improvements. She also serves on the boards of the Shawnee County Extension Agency and Housing and Credit Counseling Inc.
What’s the most important part of your work?
As a pastor at Fellowship Hi-Crest, I recognize that many people are searching for purpose or answers to life’s challenges. Often, this includes grappling with difficult questions about faith, God and the role of the church. The most important part of my work is creating a trustworthy and safe environment where people feel comfortable asking these tough, deeply personal questions. It’s in these moments of honest exploration that true growth and healing can begin.
How have you evolved and grown during your career?
My career has been a journey of intentional growth, particularly in leadership development. Early on, I struggled with burnout — both for myself and the teams I led. Over time, I learned that sustainable leadership means not just assigning tasks but building teams where individuals thrive in their roles. This shift required me to take a hard look at my own flaws and make a daily commitment to becoming a better leader. By fostering an environment where people feel empowered and passionate about their work, I’ve been able to build stronger, more effective teams.
What do you do for fun?
I love learning new hobbies. There have been many over the years and I don’t tend to land on one for long. I taught myself how to crochet during COVID. I’ve learned to play pickleball, I’m taking some ceramics classes and I’m always up for a good experiment in the kitchen. I love learning new things because it fills my tank.
