Meet Jonathon

I grew up in a blue collar family with hardworking parents who gave me opportunities they never had. My father was a tool and die maker, and my mother was a homemaker. Their example taught me the value of hard work, service, and making the most of every opportunity.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Indiana University. While I was there, the AIDS epidemic was devastating my community. I volunteered as an HIV test-site counselor and in a local “buddy” support program, and I co-founded HAVOC, a volunteer coalition that organized education, advocacy, and our community’s first AIDS Walk. Those experiences shaped my commitment to showing up for people who are vulnerable or too often overlooked.

After college, I worked with homeless youth in Chicago before moving to California. In San Francisco, I managed a rental subsidy program for people disabled with HIV/AIDS, working directly with people facing housing insecurity and significant health challenges.

Years later, I returned to school to pursue my interest in science and the environment, earning a Master of Science in Applied Geoscience from San Francisco State University. I focused my studies on marine and climate science and discovered another passion: teaching. I went on to teach science, mathematics, and technology to 4th and 5th grade students.

Today, I’m a Technical Manager and sustainability auditor, evaluating major biofuel, recycled carbon fuel, and sustainable aviation fuel projects across North America.

My career has taken me through public service, education, science, and sustainability, but the thread connecting all of it is simple: I like solving problems that matter to people.

That’s the experience I want to bring to Palm Desert—along with a willingness to listen, ask difficult questions, and think seriously about the long-term future of our community.