Staff

Jessica Poole

Chief Operating Officer, President (she/her)

Jessica Poole has been an industry leader in athletics for over 20 years. She believes that sports can change the world and has enjoyed seeing the opportunities created and lives changed when people have the opportunity to participate in sports. While the bulk of her career has been spent in a college setting, Poole has spent time working in professional tennis and the opportunity with Minnesota Aurora FC provides her an opportunity to return to her first sport of soccer. 

“The mission and vision of Minnesota Aurora FC is unique and rare in today’s athletic landscape and culture. The idea that we are able to center all that we do around values steeped in community, equality and boldness is a game changer for our organization. I am grateful to have a front row seat for all that we will accomplish now and in the future.” 

When not out and about representing Aurora, Poole is active on the Board of College Sports Communicators (CSC), where she serves as Board Chair and is the first Black woman to hold the position. She is also mom to her son William and enjoys spending time with friends and family. As an Ann Arbor, Michigan native, you can also always catch her cheering on her beloved Michigan Wolverines. 

• Bachelors of Journalism. University of Missouri-Columbia 
• Women Leaders in College Sports Institute of Administrative Advancement (2013)
• College Sports Communicators Board Chair (2022-23) 
• Memberships include: College Sports Communicators, Women Leaders in College Sports 

Andréa Carroll-Franck

Vice President of Community, Co-Founder
(she/her)

Andréa has been working in nonprofits, community organizations, and sports in the Twin Cities for over 20 years. She excels in bringing those two passions together within Aurora, a club that leads and operates boldly and authentically and leads with its values.

“As the Vice President of Community, I’m honored to have the opportunity to center ‘For Community, By Community’ in everything we do.” How we do what we do is critical to build a club that is inclusive, welcoming, and invites community to design and create with us.”

In her other lives, Andréa coached soccer for 19 years and most recently coached high school football doing kicking and culture work. She is mom to a cockapoo named Cousteau and a jungle of houseplants. She plays soccer on Sundays, and loves to spend time in nature, wandering around new places, and eating delicious things.

• M.Ed. Youth Development Leadership, UMN-Twin Cities
• P.B.C. Nonprofit Management, UMN-Twin Cities
• AdvCert. Equity and Diversity, UMN-Twin Cities
• B.A. Liberal Arts for the Human Services, UMN-Morris
• 10 years involved with AmeriCorps
• Previous Board service includes Like A Girl, the JK Movement, and Monarch FC

Jillian Davis

VP, Brand Marketing & Communications
(she/her)

Jillian has spent her career helping companies build brands that connect with people and move business forward. With a proven track record spanning almost 20 years, her expertise has left a mark on companies ranging from Silicon Valley startups to the Fortune 1.

Jillian is passionate about crafting meaningful brand strategies grounded in an organization’s core values and aligned with the needs and priorities of the people they serve. She has deep experience in leading organizations through customer research, brand positioning, identity development, and marketing strategy, and a particular interest in the pivotal role employer branding plays in organizational success. 

In a career dedicated to propelling brands forward, Jillian’s commitment to aligning brand strategies with organizational truth has consistently delivered impactful results. She is thrilled to bring this expertise to Minnesota Aurora, building on the team’s incredible success and connecting the club with more fans across – and well beyond – Minnesota.

• BA, Psychology; University of Wisconsin-Stout
• MS, Media and Communications, London School of Economics and Political Science 
• Equality and Racial Allyship Credential, Equality Utah 
• Jury, Effies Worldwide Effectiveness in Marketing Awards
• Finalist, PRWeek Young Professional of the Year

Brenna Keeler

Marketing & Communications Manager
(she/her)

Brenna may be best known at Aurora as the socials admin. She does all things social, as well as working behind the scenes in the Marketing and Communications department. If you’ve seen Aurora on Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook or Twitter, you’ve seen her handiwork! Brenna played soccer at Bemidji State University, and now coaches youth soccer in Shakopee.

In her free time, Brenna enjoys film photography, yoga + HIIT, and hanging out with her pup, Lola!

• Bachelors Degree in Marketing Communications
• Former NCAA D2 Soccer Player