Jay fosters and maintains relationships with communities and grantees across Washington state in order to advance Inatai Foundation’s grantmaking and advocacy strategies. A 25-year veteran of the Pierce County nonprofit ecosystem, he has worked every position from front-desk receptionist to board member. Most recently, Jay served as executive director of the Rainier Foothills Wellness Foundation, building, supporting, and mobilizing the community to address issues like hunger, healthcare access, and student success. Prior to that, he served on the executive leadership teams for Peace Community Center, Associated Ministries, United Way of Pierce County, Bates Technical College, and the YMCA of Greater Seattle. Jay has earned a master’s in nonprofit leadership from Seattle University after earning a bachelor’s in social work from the University of Washington.
Jay is also a musician and has been playing the piano since age six. In addition to producing music for artists across a range of genres, Jay has produced two of his own instrumental jazz albums. He is a part-time financial coach and loves to travel, solve Sudoku puzzles, and watch sitcoms with his family. Jay lives with his wife of 26 years, and they’ve raised their two daughters in the town of Frederickson.