Jason holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Minnesota State University Mankato. He earned a Mini MBA in Nonprofit Management and a Certificate of Executive Leadership, both from the University of St. Thomas. Jason began his career in the non-profit field in 1997 with DARTS (Dakota Area Resource and Transportation for Seniors). He transitioned to Dodge Nature Center and Preschool in 2003 as the Director of Volunteers and Special Events. He was appointed as Executive Director of Dodge in 2010 and brings a passion for environmental education and conservation to the forefront of philanthropy.
Jason has led Dodge through two Strategic Plans and is currently leading the organization through their third, slated for completion in 2023. Through his leadership Dodge has grown in operations, staffing, and size, including the 140-acre acquisition of Shepard Farm in Cottage Grove. Dodge is expanding into this new community, approximately 15 miles from their home site. In 2020, Dodge announced a $40 million comprehensive campaign (endowment, capital, and annual fund), and as the end of 2022 they have raised $35 million toward that goal.
Jason has called Minnesota home for his entire life where he and his wife Heather have raised their sons, Noah, and Max.