Jess Keeney, JD

Board Director  |  Independent Director

jess@justkeenai.com | LinkedIn | justkeenai.com

Board Value Proposition

Enterprise technology executive and attorney with a track record of steering B2B SaaS companies through transformative growth, PE-backed transitions, and AI-driven product strategy. Combines legal and fiduciary rigor with deep product and technology leadership to provide boards with informed governance across risk, compliance, digital transformation, and long-term value creation. Proven ability to oversee enterprise-scale revenue portfolios, guide M&A integration, and navigate complex regulatory environments.

Board Competencies

Governance & Risk

  • Fiduciary Oversight
  • Regulatory & Compliance Navigation
  • Risk Management & Mitigation
  • Audit & Financial Stewardship
  • Corporate Governance Frameworks
  • Stakeholder & Shareholder Engagement

Strategy & Growth

  • Enterprise Transformation
  • M&A Due Diligence & Integration
  • PE-Backed Growth Acceleration
  • International Market Expansion
  • P&L Accountability
  • Talent & Succession Planning

Technology & Innovation

  • AI & Agentic Technology Governance
  • Product-Led Growth Strategy
  • Data Governance & AI Ethics
  • Cybersecurity & Data Privacy
  • SaaS Platform Architecture
  • Digital Transformation Oversight
Board & Advisory Experience
Board Member 2026 — Present
BillTrust (EQT Portfolio Company)
Advisor 2025 — Present
Veridical Ventures
Governance-Relevant Expertise

PE Transactions & Public-Private Transitions

Navigated multiple PE-backed transitions, including the Vista Equity Partners acquisition of Duck Creek Technologies and the Hellman & Friedman take-private of Ultimate Software and subsequent merger forming UKG. Drove long-term growth strategy and product alignment through both transactions. Experienced in aligning product, technology, and operational strategy to PE value-creation objectives across pre- and post-acquisition cycles.

AI & Technology Oversight

Deep experience guiding the full arc of enterprise technology transformation — from re-architecting monolithic single-product systems into multi-product platforms, to building intelligent data foundations, to pioneering agentic AI strategies across insurance and workforce technology. Partnered with Microsoft and Vista Equity Partners to develop industry-specific AI solutions. Provides informed perspective on AI governance, responsible deployment, data strategy, and technology risk at the board level.

M&A Integration & Revenue Expansion

Guided 10+ acquisitions driving inorganic growth across insurance, HCM, and revenue operations platforms, with hands-on experience in due diligence, integration planning, and post-acquisition value realization. Launched 30+ organic products and new revenue streams, expanding market reach across domestic and global segments including Europe, India, and Australia.

Enterprise Risk, Regulatory Compliance & Data Governance

JD-credentialed executive with direct experience in regulatory research, compliance program development, and legal risk management across insurance, financial services, and HR technology sectors. Established data governance frameworks to ensure responsible AI deployment, data quality, and privacy compliance. Brings a legally informed perspective to emerging AI regulation, algorithmic accountability, and enterprise data stewardship — areas of increasing board-level scrutiny.

Operational Scale & Financial Stewardship

Track record of driving enterprise value creation through EBITDA improvement, margin expansion, and disciplined revenue growth across multiple B2B SaaS organizations. Experienced in P&L oversight for large-scale portfolios, aligning cost structure and operational efficiency to PE and public-company financial targets. Skilled in balancing growth investment with profitability, scaling global teams, and translating operational performance into long-term shareholder value.

Executive Leadership History
Chief Executive Officer 2025 — 2026
AbsenceSoft  ·  Denver, CO

Guided strategic pivot to an intelligence-first model leveraging agentic AI for product-led and sales-led growth. Implemented cross-functional revenue visibility and performance accountability. Launched customer voice program to improve retention and service efficiency.

Chief Product & Technology Officer 2022 — 2025
Duck Creek Technologies  ·  Boston, MA

Oversaw product and technology strategy for a publicly traded InsurTech platform through Vista Equity Partners acquisition and public-to-private transition. Delivered 3-year strategic roadmap with 90%+ execution. Expanded international presence with 30%+ APAC growth. Partnered with Microsoft and Vista to pioneer insurance-specific agentic AI. Improved margins by seven points through operational efficiency.

Senior Vice President, Product 2021 — 2022
ZoomInfo  ·  Waltham, MA

Oversaw B2B SaaS product portfolio powering revenue operations for sales, marketing, recruiting, and data-driven enterprise functions. Guided organic growth strategy while integrating multiple acquisitions into a unified platform vision. Aligned cross-functional stakeholders around strategic priorities and long-term product direction.

Senior Vice President, Development 2014 — 2021
UKG (Ultimate Software)  ·  Weston, FL

Progressive leadership across Product Strategy, Engineering, and Development for the flagship UKG Pro HCM SaaS portfolio. Managed $1.5B+ revenue portfolio with P&L accountability and 1,000+ team members. Scaled global operations across the US, Canada, Europe, and India. Transitioned architecture from monolithic to multi-product platform, enhancing competitive differentiation. Drove new product development and legacy re-platforming for adjacent market entry.

Earlier Career
Lead Consultant — ThoughtWorks, New York, NY 2013 — 2014

Guided enterprise clients in agile transformation, scaling product and engineering organizations for new product launches and market entry.

Product Management — Ascend Learning, Jones & Bartlett Learning 2011 — 2013

Led product delivery and strategy across healthcare education and digital publishing markets.

Product & Compliance Leadership — Wolters Kluwer 2007 — 2011

Developed adaptive learning products and B2B SaaS compliance platforms. Served as regulatory subject matter expert bridging legal, product, and technology teams.

Compliance Attorney — Wolters Kluwer Financial Services 2005 — 2007

Conducted regulatory research and analysis for B2B SaaS insurance compliance software. Identified compliance trends and collaborated with product teams on regulatory enhancements.

Education & Credentials
Juris Doctorate
American University, Washington College of Law  ·  2005
BBA, Management
University of Massachusetts Amherst  ·  2002
Industry & Sector Experience
B2B SaaS InsurTech HCM & Workforce Technology Revenue Operations Legal Technology Healthcare Education Financial Services Compliance
Functional Board Readiness

Audit Committee

P&L oversight, EBITDA improvement, capital allocation, budget governance

Compensation & Talent

Scaled teams to 1,000+, talent strategy, performance culture design

Technology & Innovation

AI governance, agentic technology strategy, digital transformation

Risk & Compliance

JD credential, regulatory navigation, enterprise risk management

Governance & Nominating

PE transition governance, stakeholder alignment, organizational transformation