Jon, is not a Danville native but he and his wife moved here 3 years ago and have been actively engaged in the community. He leads the local Noblis Center for Applied High Performance Computing on Bridge Street.
I chose Jon as a 2017 Community Strong Person of the Year because insists his employees volunteer at local community non-profits, and he has committed substantial time and resources to working with Danville public schools on various initiatives.
-Telly Tucker, 2016 Showcase Magazine Community Strong Person of the Year.
Why is community involvement so important to you?
I enjoy a chance to make a difference. I can apply my skills and knowledge to help local organizations make an impact. Being engaged in the community is important for my sense of belonging. My Danville experience has allowed me to be engaged in organizations that I believe in.
I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to improve their lives by getting a good education. When individuals have an opportunity to realize their potential the entire community is strengthened.
What inspires you to volunteer?
Hope. I am inspired and energized by the rewards of giving my time.
How do you balance life, work, and community involvement?
No time commuting is a great help! (I moved here from Northern Virginia.) I enjoy the time spent volunteering. I do not see it as a burden, but as a source of energy. Enjoying home, work, and community makes achieving a balance easier.
What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?
Make your wife happy and everything else will follow.
What is it about Danville that makes it special to you?
I enjoy the drive of so many to make Danville thrive again. The long-term leadership to sustain a vision of growing the new economy – advanced manufacturing, cyber, software development, robotics, information technology – is gaining traction and has a chance of transforming Danville into a vibrant economic success again.
How do you recharge. What do you like to do outside of work and volunteerism?
Riding my bike, walking my dog, and going to movies. I love the blockbuster releases at an IMAX.
What is your idea of happiness?
Being healthy, loving my family, contributing at work, and in the community.
Do you have a favorite quote, and if so what is it?
Every day is a good day to ride your bike. Every day you ride your bike is a good day.
What are your favorite things to do in Danville?
Bike the river trail, hike the Ringgold trail, Chamber breakfasts at the Institute, and El Vallarta.
What are your visions for the future of Danville?
I believe the vision of building educational opportunities that attract and sustain modern industries will revitalize the economy and that creating these opportunities will give our youth a chance for a better future.
What are you most looking forward to in 2018?
Supporting the school system in expanding a meaningful career and academic program and the development of IT/SW opportunities in Danville.