Jeni Atchley was raised in California and moved to Ladson, South Carolina, as a child. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Charleston Southern University (CSU), where she was actively involved in College Democrats, Student Government, and the South Carolina Student Legislature. She earned a Master of Public Administration (MPA) in 2012 and a Master of Science (MS) in Criminal Justice in 2015. Currently, she is pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration.

Jeni's political career began with the College Democrats at CSU, where she started volunteering on campaigns through canvassing and phone banking. She has contributed to various campaigns, from local races to Congressional contests, honing her skills in campaign management, strategic planning, advising, communications, field operations, voter outreach, and overall campaign strategy.

After graduating from CSU in 2010, Jeni joined the Dorchester County Democratic Party (DCDP) and held several leadership roles, including 3rd Vice-Chair, 1st Vice-Chair, and Chair. She currently serves as the County Party Treasurer. Her dedication was recognized with the 2020 Alice Cicenia Distinguished Service Award. In 2012, she was named an SC New Democrats Rising Star and participated in the SC New Democrats Fellowship Program. In 2013, she completed the New Leaders Council Fellowship.

In 2014, Jeni became Secretary of the Young Democrats of South Carolina (YDSC) and later served as 2nd Vice President and President, leading the chapter to be named Chartered Unit of the Biennium by the Young Democrats of America in 2021. She has also been active with the SC Democratic Women’s Council serving in various roles with the organization.

A graduate of the James E. Clyburn Fellow program in 2016, Jeni was elected as a Delegate to the Democratic National Convention in both 2016 and 2020. She is also a member of the Emerge SC class of 2021, where she received the Congresswoman Liz Patterson award.

In 2021, Jeni founded JGS Strategies, a political campaign consulting and management firm. Since then, Jeni and her team have supported nearly two dozen candidates with campaign management, compliance, budgeting, fundraising, voter contact, and strategy building. While not every campaign resulted in a win, they have made a significant impact on South Carolina politics. Jeni believes in running campaigns differently, with a strong emphasis on direct voter contact and relational organizing, ensuring that every campaign connects deeply with the community and fosters lasting change.

Before establishing her business, Jeni worked at the South Carolina Department of Children’s Advocacy as a Wraparound Coordinator in juvenile mental health and before that as a Counsel Substitute at the SC Department of Corrections, assisting inmates with internal charges and working with those on death row, in maximum security, and with mental health diagnoses.

Jeni lives in Ladson, SC, with her partner Terrance and their two dogs, Dixie Anna and Ollie Pop. They also care for three large aquatic turtles: Nemo, Squirt, and Dory.