Meet Jonathan
10th Generation Manchester Resident - Building for the 11th and Beyond
How it started
Jonathan came home to Manchester directly from the hospital, just like the 10 generations of his family did before him. He grew up with hard-working parents (Bill and Pam) who worked hard to provide every opportunity they could for him. The son of window washers, an oil deliveryman, and home cleaners, Jonathan's parents instilled an extreme sense of hard work and humility in him.
He is the product of an exceptional public education system thanks to Vermont traditions he believes are a core component to the success of our communities. The personal relationships he built as a student growing up in Manchester have not only survived the passage of time but have also blossomed into lasting friendships, which are core to his belief that communities thrive when we truly know and respect our neighbors. Years later, some of his most vocal supporters are those who saw him grow while attending Lawrence School in East Dorset, Manchester Elementary Middle School (MEMS), Burr and Burton Academy (BBA), and the University of Vermont (UVM).
From an early age, Jonathan surrounded himself with exceptional role models who shaped his passion for life. While at Burr and Burton, he gained the respect of both students and faculty alike. He graduated with twelve merit and community-based scholarships while participating in student government and as President of his senior class.
While studying at the University of Vermont, he worked with the Director of Admissions as part of a group of musicians who traveled the Northeast promoting the University, including a partnership with Christopher Columbus High School in the Bronx. As Music Director, Jonathan spent many early mornings welcoming incoming first-year students to campus in a tuxedo and sandals as a member of the UVM Topcats, a student-led a cappella group.
My Path to Today
Jonathan also worked at the Manchester Parks & Recreation during many Summer breaks. He began as an attendant of the department's programs and later became the program assistant, working directly with the director, supervisor, and other Town of Manchester departments.
Jonathan was also instrumental in managing and operating Village Picture Shows in Manchester and, in the early days of Facebook, started iLikeManchester.com, which focused on developing social media awareness and services for local Manchester businesses and non-profits.
In 2005, Jonathan met his future husband, Thomas, while working in Florida with his good friends Lu and Clark French. Their bond that has been inseparable for decades now approaching twenty years. A friendship and partnership in marriage he treasures as they co-parent their 4 young children - Gracie, Charlotte, Eleanor, and Henry.
Jonathan and Thomas Married in 2012, and shortly after, Thomas fulfilled a lifelong dream of serving in the U.S. Army. While stationed in California at the Defense Language Institute, the Federal Government did not recognize their marriage, briefly forcing them to live separately and at their own expense until finally, in 2013, it became federally recognized with the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Notably, Jonathan was among the 1st same-sex spouses to be legally recognized by the Department of Defense following the repeal of DOMA, a testament to his enduring dedication to LGBTQ+ rights.
During his husband's service in the U.S. Army, Jonathan made significant contributions as an early member of the Modern Military Association of America. This groundbreaking organization paved the way for LGBTQ+ military spouses and their families. This opportunity brought Jonathan and Thomas' family to the White House numerous times as guests of President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.
Jonathan and Thomas are passionate advocates for foster care and adoption. Their commitment to this cause has resulted in welcoming their 4 young children from birth, now all under the age of nine, into their home. Also known as Daddy and Papa by their children, they have built a significant social media following advocating for families and others just like theirs. They believe that REPRESENTATION MATTERS and that sharing their story will continue to help pave the way for others who never knew having a family was an option. Like their Daddy, Gracie and Charlotte attend MEMS, and Eleanor and Henry attend the Lawrence School.
Jonathan now works for MyLegal, an industry-leading legal intake software startup, as their Chief Technology Officer and leads a growing team of software developers worldwide.
Locally, Jonathan has been a board member of the MEMS PTO, Queer Connect of Bennington, and the LGBTQ+ advisory committee for The Collaborative. He has managed and led renovations for multiunit housing projects in Southern Vermont and, most recently, was part of the ownership transition team of Northshire Bookstore with Lu and Clark French. In 2023, he celebrated the launch of his family's podcast "Becoming Dads" and the release of their first children's book, "A Kids Book About Gay Parents." Jonathan currently serves as the Chair of the Manchester Democratic Town Committee and Co-Chair of the Marketing & Outreach Committee for the Bennington County Democratic Committee.
