Jon is a natural leader not only because he is a true believer in social justice, but because he’s a doer, someone who will roll up his sleeves and scale any mountain to get something done. He carries himself with unwavering integrity. And as a white man and staunch anti-racist he championed FSTV's emergence as a model and unapologetic champion of multi-racial democracy.

I always appreciate Jon’s sharp analysis, insightful assessments, integrity, and transparency. As co-founder and former executive director of Free Speech TV, Jon helped build an independent media network that has received national recognition, including the 2010 Professional Freedom and Responsibility Award for its commitment to journalistic ethics and free expression.

Jon is both a Zen master of details and consistently capable of shaping long-term strategy like it is second nature. He’s the kind of leader who makes everything he touches better. From writing and HR to budgeting, programming, contract negotiation, strategic planning, team-building, partnerships, and fundraising, Jon’s skill set is absurdly broad.

As strategic and accomplished a leader as Jon is, he is also the consummate team player. He displays initiative and steps up when necessary. Importantly, he also knows when to step back. At FSTV, he always kept the focus on the people we served and worked with. For him, it's the work, not the glory, that is his North Star.

Jon’s principled and disciplined approach has delivered invaluable FSTV partnerships in overlapping social justice, media and philanthropic universes. Jon is also expert in organizational systems building, management, succession planning, strategic planning, strategic communications, donor and foundation development and in media enterprise, just to name a few areas.

Jon is that steady hand and sharp mind every mission-driven organization wishes it had. His leadership style is calm, respectful, and often heart centered. He leads with integrity, shows up with purpose, and somehow avoids making a big deal about it. His sense of ethics isn’t just a talking point, it’s the core principle that guides his work.

In both his day-to-day work and in larger strategic decisions at Free Speech TV, Jon always placed social justice values at the center. I’ve seen firsthand how he builds partnerships between nonprofits, social justice groups, and independent media, creating collaborations that strengthen everyone involved.