For more than 30 years, Jake Hartvigsen has been committed to using his skills in communications, marketing, and strategic development to strengthen the communities in which he has lived and the organizations for which he has worked.
As a VISTA Volunteer in Atlanta, GA, in the late 1980s, Jake worked at both the local and national levels to develop housing and job opportunities for the homeless. During the 1990s, as the marketing director for a leading international ecotourism company, he spearheaded efforts to raise awareness about the importance of cross-cultural exchange and environmental protection. Then, as the head of marketing and communications for New College of Florida from 2003-2013, he led the branding and marketing efforts that helped New College gain national recognition as one of the country’s top public liberal arts colleges.
For the past seven years, as an independent consultant and small business owner, Jake has utilized his experience to assist nonprofits and private businesses in their communication efforts to help them better and more effectively tell their stories to constituents and clients.
As a consultant for The Patterson Foundation’s Census 2020 Education program, Jake is leading The Patterson Foundation’s outreach efforts with colleges and universities, faith-based communities, and business leaders throughout Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties.
Jake holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, a master’s degree in English from Colorado State University, and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of South Florida. He is actively involved as a volunteer in the local community and is the current president of Sertoma Club of Greater Sarasota, a nonprofit service organization that assists children and adults with speech, language, and hearing disabilities. Jake is also an avid runner who has completed both the New York City and Marine Corps marathons, a loving husband, and a proud dad to two teenage sons.