Jerry’s formal education is in Architecture and Urban Planning. He worked as an Urban Planner at both the city and county level before becoming a principal partner in a planning consulting firm based in San Francisco, CA. He preferred working in the public sector, so he left the private sector and went to work for the City of Salinas, CA.

For the first 15 years at the City, he worked as a Senior Planner, Assistant Community Development Director, and Community Development Director. He then changed careers and became the Information Technology Manager for the City. For the next 17 years, he directed the computer and telephone operations and developed the City’s GIS system, retiring in July 2004.

During his working career in the Salinas Valley, he and his wife, Judith, owned and ran a cow/calf cattle operation. Their interest in landscaping with native plants brought many new species of birds to their ranch. Before selling their ranch and relocating to Corvallis in August 2006, they had recorded 90 species of birds on the ranch. In addition to birding, his other areas of interest are carpentry and woodworking.

Jerry served for four years on the board of directors of the Audubon Society of Corvallis. He worked on the interpretive trail and the revitalization of the Hesthavn Barn, now being used as ASC’s educational facility.

He started as a Chintimini Wildlife Center volunteer in November 2006, was elected to the board in March 2008, and was elected President in July 2009. He also serves as Chintimini’s site manager.

Jerry has worked on the annual Native Plant Sale for the Benton Soil and Water Conservation District for several years and was elected as a District Director in November 2012.