Jared brings nearly two decades of leadership in education, nonprofit service, and local government to his work in the Kodiak community. As a tenured Professor with UAA and an academic leader at Kodiak College, he has managed programs, taught a wide range of subjects, mentored young professionals, and overseen federal and state grant funding. Jared also serves as the General Manager of Kodiak Public Broadcasting Corporation, where he has revitalized operations through strategic fundraising, technology planning, and community partnerships.

Deeply committed to service, Jared has spent nearly 20 years enriching Kodiak through education, the arts, and civic leadership. He currently serves as an elected member of the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly and chairs the Kodiak Joint Fisheries Workgroup and Health Facilities Advisory Board; is Treasurer for Southwest Alaska Municipal Conference; and served as chair of the Kodiak Workforce Regional Advisory Council, where he championed economic opportunity and local collaboration, among numerous other nonprofit, community, KIB, and KIBSD workgroups. As a long-time board member and volunteer with KMXT, Jared has helped preserve and expand local news and entertainment. He’s also an award-winning drama and public speaking coach for the Kodiak Shakesbears, leading students to multiple state championships, and state and national recognition, including ASAA's "Coach of the Year" in 2025 and three State of Alaska Legislative Citations. Jared’s additional service includes Special Olympics, Kodiak Arts Council, being a teaching artist for village schools, and cultivating ongoing partnerships with local schools, cultural organizations, and nonprofits. His broad and sustained community involvement reflects his belief that strong communities are built through participation.

Jared holds a Ph.D. in English from Texas Christian University, where he graduated with distinction for his work on American rhetoric and apocalyptic literature. He also earned a Master of Education in Higher Education, English Instruction, and a B.A. in English, magna cum laude, from Dallas Baptist University. A lifelong learner and versatile scholar, Jared has published on a range of topics—from American literary and religious history and apocalypse studies to the rhetoric of popular culture. He has delivered many presentations nationally, and he continues to serve as language editor for the Hungarian Journal of English and American Studies. Jared holds certifications in Mental Health First Aid and trauma-informed practices, and has completed numerous Foraker Group trainings in fundraising strategies and board development. His professional interests span American literature, political history, media, and communication—reflected in his teaching, writing, and wide-ranging creative projects. Whether writing an essay for experts or articles for the public, leading a professional writing class, or volunteering his expertise to train employees at KIBSD, the USCG, or KANA, Jared brings curiosity, clarity, and care to every endeavor.