A native Californian, Jim attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and graduated with a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Natural Resources Management with a concentration in forestry. He did additional graduate course work in forestry and horticulture and is a certified arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture. Jim lives in rural Atascadero in the home he designed and built in the late 70s.
Professionally, Jim has owned and operated a retail nursery and landscaping business, farmed oat and alfalfa hay and served as Water Conservation Manager for the Atascadero Mutual Water Company. He served two terms on the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors, 2005 – 2013, where he worked to improve resource planning, develop workforce housing, encourage sustainable energy projects, advocate for climate adaptation and supported economic development.
After leaving the Board of Supervisors, Jim volunteered with I Care International which conducts vision clinics in Mexico, Central and South America. He’s traveled for clinics in Guanajuato, Mexico; Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador and Peru. Jim has served on several local non-profit boards and joined the Land Conservancy Board of Trustees in 2015 where he’s served as president, vice president and on the Governance Committee and Development Committee.
Jim has a special affinity for the Carrizo Plain where he served on the Monument Advisory Committee and helped develop and implement the Monument Management Plan. Jim enjoys all things outdoors and is passionate about ensuring that future generations have the opportunity to experience the wonders of nature. Jim enjoys camping, hiking, kayaking and visiting his son’s family that includes two grandchildren.