Eden Prairie, Minnesota (April 8, 2025) – Starkey, a global leader in hearing technology, is proud to announce the appointment of Jenni Hargraves as the new Executive Director of Starkey Cares, the company’s corporate social responsibility initiative. With more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, corporate philanthropy, and community engagement, Hargraves will lead efforts to expand Starkey Cares’ reach and community impact through strategic partnerships and philanthropic programs.
As Executive Director, Hargraves will oversee the development and expansion of the Starkey Cares program in the U.S. and globally, working closely with nonprofit, business, entertainment, community, and political leaders to advance Starkey’s mission. She will manage key community relationships that further strengthen Starkey Cares’ engagement and impact to expand the program’s reach.
In addition to external partnerships, Hargraves will lead efforts to amplify Starkey Cares' support of employees' philanthropic initiatives, ensuring they have opportunities to engage in meaningful service and contribute to causes that align with Starkey’s mission.
“Jenni’s passion for community impact and her proven track record in non-profit leadership make her an ideal fit to lead Starkey Cares,” said Brandon Sawalich, President and CEO at Starkey. “Her experience in building strategic partnerships and expanding access to hearing care will help drive our mission forward, ensuring more individuals receive the life-changing benefits of better hearing."
Hargraves brings a wealth of experience in mission-driven leadership, having dedicated the past 12 years to advancing hearing health accessibility. Most recently, she served as Vice President of the Miracle-Ear Foundation, where she played a pivotal role in providing hearing aids to individuals in need across the country. Under her leadership, the foundation expanded its reach, strengthened key partnerships, and improved access to critical hearing solutions for underserved communities.
Prior to her work in hearing health, Hargraves spent over 15 years as Executive Director for the American Diabetes Association, where she spearheaded national fundraising initiatives, built strong corporate alliances, and led advocacy efforts to improve healthcare accessibility. Her career also includes work with People Serving People, Minnesota’s largest shelter for families experiencing homelessness, where she developed and managed donation programs to support community needs.
Starkey Cares is dedicated to bridging the gap in hearing healthcare accessibility, ensuring that those in need have the resources and support to improve their quality of life. Through strategic partnerships, advocacy, and community outreach, Starkey Cares continues to make a lasting impact.
For more information about Starkey Cares, visit https://www.starkey.com/
About Starkey
Starkey is a privately held, global hearing technology company headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Founded by Bill Austin in 1967, Starkey is known for its innovative design, development and distribution of comprehensive digital hearing systems. Led today by President and CEO Brandon Sawalich, Starkey is the only American-owned provider of hearing technologies. The company has more than 5,000 employees, operates 29 facilities and does business in more than 100 markets worldwide. Learn more at starkey.com.
