Born and raised in Port Angeles, Jake’s experience in the YMCA Youth and Government program pointed him early on toward a life of public service. He was the first in his family to attend college, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Washington and then a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Puget Sound.

Jake served as the Director of the WSU Energy program from 2001 to 2019, providing leadership to alternative-energy and energy-efficiency programs. Prior to his service with WSU, Jake was the Manager of Energy Efficiency at Tacoma Power.

From 2006 to 2012, Jake served the citizens of Tacoma as City Councilmember. While there, he established the city’s sustainability office and served as Vice Chair of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and as a board member for both Sound Transit and Pierce Transit.

Elected into the WA State House of Representatives in 2012, Jake currently serves as Chair of the House Transportation Committee and as a member of the House Environment and Energy Committee.
One of Jake’s top priorities in the legislature is ensuring a cleaner, more sustainable transportation system for our state. During the 2019 Legislative session, Jake successfully sponsored a comprehensive Green Transportation bill.

Jake has lived in Tacoma for more than 30 years. He has two children and two grandkids.