Meet the Staff

Dena Jenson serves as the Director of the Center for Nonprofit Leadership (CNL) at California Lutheran University. Founded in 1991 at VCCF, the Center for Nonprofit Leadership provides leadership development, training, technical assistance, and access to resources that reflect its name, strengthening the leadership of nonprofit organizations serving the region.

With over 25 years of nonprofit executive experience, Dena frequently serves as a speaker and trainer on leadership development, organizational capacity, board governance and nonprofit business development. She believes deeply in the power of philanthropy and the nonprofit sector's role in creating a just society. From small efforts taking shape around a kitchen table to our community's most recognized charitable organizations, Dena is committed to the Center's mission of "helping nonprofit leaders do better at doing good". 

Dena has a Master's in Public Policy from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science with a minor in Women's Studies from California State University, Long Beach. Dena has served on the boards of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Santa Barbara & Ventura Counties Chapter and the Townies Podcast, Inc. She is also a former board member of the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits). 

A lifelong learner, Dena completed Courage to Lead, a yearlong leadership development program for experienced executives. In 2018, she was selected Nonprofit Leader of the Year by the Ventura County Leadership Academy and was recognized as Community Advocate of the Year by the National Association of Women Business Owners, Ventura County Chapter. In 2024, Dena was named one of the Top 50 Women in Business by the Pacific Coast Business Times. 

She lives in Ventura with her husband Jim and a tuxedo cat who runs the show. 

Brewster King serves as the Associate Director of the Center for Nonprofit Leadership (CNL) at California Lutheran University. Once an initiative of the Ventura County Community Foundation, where it was founded in 1991, the Center for Nonprofit Leadership provides leadership development, training, technical assistance, and access to resources that reflect its name, strengthening the leadership of nonprofit organizations serving the region.

Brewster began his career in management consulting, developing business plans and strategic sales operations across a variety of industries, before shifting to the non-profit sector. In his multiple roles at the American Heart Association, serving as the Community Program Manager for the Los Angeles Affiliate and Area Director for Northern Virginia, he led program outreach and adoption, local board development, communication, and individual / event fundraising. Later, Brewster spearheaded new business development and the professional education academy for AIAA, a national association for aerospace engineers.

Before joining CNL, Brewster spent six years as the lead strategist for Anthem Blue Cross of California. In this role, he was responsible for crafting scalable growth initiatives, then building enthusiasm and commitment from key stakeholder teams to deliver on these ideas. Brewster believes strongly in the positive impact that shared accountability has on both organizational culture and team performance. Aligned purpose, strong communication, clear roles and collaborative decision-making are critical to optimizing your team’s efforts and avoiding burn-out.

Brewster has a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from California Lutheran University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil / Geologic Engineering from Princeton University. A lifelong coach and mentor (and unabashed sports enthusiast), Brewster has enjoyed 10+ years as an AYSO and club-level soccer coach.

He currently serves as a guest lecturer with California Lutheran University’s Management School of Business and a graduate/undergraduate student mentor. Brewster is a native New Englander who now calls Thousand Oaks, CA home.

Sophia Coffaro joined the Center for Nonprofit Leadership (CNL) at California Lutheran University as the Marketing & Membership Specialist.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and is eager to contribute to the Center in meaningful ways. Previously, Sophia served as Marketing Associate at Operation Surf in Avila Beach, California. She is passionate about empowering nonprofit leaders to excel in their work and finds joy in connecting members with invaluable resources that strengthen communities and foster collaboration.

In her free time, Sophia enjoys surfing at the beach and cooking with her family.