Jonathan never expected to make a career out of higher education. He grew up in rural Pennsylvania, the first in his family to navigate the maze of college applications, financial aid, and campus life. Like many first-generation students, he juggled coursework with figuring out the unspoken rules of the college campus, all while puzzling over what to major in. What started as a personal journey quickly turned into a mission: ensuring that others—especially students from underrepresented backgrounds—didn’t have to figure it all out alone.

His higher education career began in college admissions, where he saw firsthand how access and opportunity could shape a student’s future. That work led him into nonprofit leadership, where he focused on systemic change in higher ed, always asking: How do we make education work better for students? For families? For communities? He thrives on strategy, storytelling, and making complicated processes make sense and feel human. He also believes deeply in mentorship—not just as a professional obligation but as a way to pay forward the guidance he once needed himself.

After years in admissions and nonprofit leadership, Jonathan and his family relocated to Louisville, Kentucky, where he’s gradually making his way to every single local restaurant. His partner works as a college counselor, meaning dinner-table conversations often revolve around education (they are that couple). Outside of work, he enjoys DIY projects, bar trivia, strength training, road-tripping, and trying to find the world’s best cookie dough ice cream.

He’s still figuring out what he wants to be when he grows up. But as long as the work remains rooted in making education a reality for more students, he’s in the right place.