Racing playful kids in Cuba
It's true. To preserve a tiny chance of victory, I left the starting line early. Smile.
Savoring Eureka Dunes
The big wind was still asleep.
About Jeff
Currently, I split professional time between business and nonprofit leadership roles and my sustained passion for photography, film, advocacy, and documentary story.
My journey has taken me to more than 60 countries - from Arctic villages to Himalayan monasteries, the frenetic streets in Calcutta, and the quiet temples in Japan. I've walked the Mayan Highlands, trekked through remote Berber villages, stood in awe near massive elephants in Zambia and 1,000-pound grizzly bears in Alaska, watched the northern lights dance and early rays from the sun kiss Mount Everest, Mount Kailash, Mount Whitney, and Mount Kilimanjaro, and witnessed life-saving medical treatments in health clinics and hospitals across Africa. Along the way, I've partnered with inspirational nonprofits, public health and humanitarian groups, and global media, travel, and tech companies. Much to savor.
My photography and documentary film work explores stories of resilience, transformation, beauty, and cultural richness - often in service of causes I care deeply about.
Beyond these commitments, I serve as an advisor and fundraiser for several nonprofit boards, support early-stage entrepreneurial ventures through the OVO Fund, and work as a Director for a fintech startup, Syntax. Earlier in my career, I held marketing, sales, and general management roles at Apple, IBM, and LucasFilm, and twice served as CEO for a vibrant nonprofit, Edgewood, supporting more than 5,000 vulnerable children and families with mental health, community, child welfare, and education programs. I also served as Executive Producer for an award-winning 26-part PBS series broadcast in over fifty countries.
My photographic images been published by National Geographic Traveler, Lonely Planet, Conde Nast, Sierra Magazine, and other media outlets.
Outdoor adventure and athletics remain a deep source of joy. I've cycled across the U.S. three times, hiked the John Muir Trail, traversed Morocco's High Atlas Mountains on a memorable 220-mile trek, completed dozens of triathlons including the IronMan, and wandered through national parks in Bhutan, New Zealand, Peru, Tibet, Argentina, Africa, Canada, and beyond. Fortunate.
In my formal education, I studied engineering and product design at Stanford University (graduated with honors) and later earned an MBA from Harvard University.
Nature, deeply connected and caring communities, good friends, passionate leaders, and great stories remain my most enduring teachers.
In terms of additional skills, I am a certified, world-class "snacker," a grateful "wanderer," and a devoted "observer" of ever-changing light.
In case it's helpful in some way, click here for a connection to my LinkedIn page
• • •
Several years ago, in the midst of playful conversation, a young Tibetan child who lives in Dharamshala, India asked me:
"Jeff, what's a frog?" and "How do these little animals move across the earth?"
This curious boy had never seen a frog jump, splash in the water, or produce a chirp. He had heard these strange animals existed in wet climates, often in the jungle and near the lakes, rivers, and ponds at lower elevation.
With much laughter, I led the group of energetic Tibetan children as we explored these and other essential life questions.
Joyful moments evolved.
