Jennifer Blank-Matney, born in New York and raised in Southern California, brings a taste of the big city to her pursuits in the Valley of the Sun. A graduate of Arizona State University with a degree in Family Resources and Human Development Jennifer has complemented her education with far reaching experience throughout the hospitality, public relations and marketing industries.

Prior to coming to Phoenix Jennifer was employed as an account executive for a prestigious Atlanta public relations firm and she has been instrumental in the opening of several restaurants across the country. Her philosophy that guests are the single most important factor in determining the success of any venture certainly stems from her experience within the retail industry as a manager for Home Depot. In addition Jennifer worked throughout her college years in numerous capacities for several large hospitality firms.

In 1997 Jennifer married Phoenix culinary star, Chef Eddie Matney. She and Eddie have merged their career paths too. Jennifer worked side by side with Eddie and directed the multi-million dollar catering operations and public relations at Eddie’s Grill. In the fall of 1998, Jennifer and Eddie opened Eddie Matney’s Restaurant. As restaurant general manger Jennifer’s touch was evident throughout the restaurant. Jennifer created a unique setting for Eddie’s cuisine, recruited and trained a highly professional staff and was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the restaurant. In 2005, Jennifer and Eddie sold the restaurant to pursue and attain other professional and personal dreams. Jennifer, always striving to better herself, is continuing her education by completing a Fellowship with the Center for Progressive Leadership.

Jennifer’s plate is extremely full; even so, Jennifer’s heartfelt commitment to the Valley of the Sun is evident in her dedication to charitable works. From 1998 through 2000 Jennifer was the chairman of the Wish Ball, the largest fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Southern Arizona, where she now serves on their Board of Directors. Additionally, Jennifer is on the Angel’s Board of the Arizona Foundation for Women, the Capital Campaign Committee of the Sojourner Center, and serves on committees for several other charitable organizations, including Heart Ball, HomeBase Youth Services, Phoenix Theatre and is Chairing the Public Relations Committee for Childhelp USA’s largest fundraiser. Jennifer has received several awards for her philanthropy, including the Women of Distinction Award and Spirit of Philanthropy from the Association of Non-Profit Management

Jennifer’s two main roles in the Matney business are handling the Media and Public Relations and Charitable Works. Her two most important roles in life are being a mother and a wife. Her greatest achievement is raising two loving, kind and compassionate children, Jacob six and Gabriella three. She feels extremely fortunate to have a loving husband with similar values and goals who supports her in every avenue of her life.