Jason is a seasoned professional with a strong background in both the operational and marketing sides of small businesses, paired with a proven record of technical innovation in CNC machining and 3D printing for custom sign-making and prototyping. But his real edge goes far beyond technical chops — Jason has an innate gift for communication, vision-building, and fostering structures that help ideas take flight.

Currently, Jason serves as the Executive Director of the Franklin Center for Innovation, where he’s expanded the center’s reach and relevance by building bridges between local businesses, educators, and makers — ensuring that cutting-edge technology, hands-on education, and community-driven problem-solving stay within everyone’s grasp.

Recently, Jason has doubled down on this mission with ambitious new projects. He founded the Drone Flight School, giving students and hobbyists alike a structured path to mastering drone piloting and commercial certifications. He also launched the Drone Zone Community, a dynamic hub for drone enthusiasts, students, and professionals to connect, share resources, and push UAV innovation forward together. This spring, Jason took his hands-on STEM approach all the way to Unalakleet, Alaska, where he led a STEM Camp that gave local students a chance to dive into drone tech and real-world applications in one of the most remote parts of the country — showing that innovation shouldn’t be limited by geography.

Before his current role, Jason spent two and a half years transforming an innovative high school program in Fayette County. There, he developed the “5 P’s” framework — Proposal, Pattern-Making, Prototyping, Production, and Presentation — to guide students through every phase of turning ideas into reality. He pioneered community-engaged learning, championed cross-disciplinary projects, and built student leadership models that emphasized real responsibility and specialization.

On the organizational side, Jason was instrumental in restructuring The Learning Center into product-based departments, launching a dedicated “Department of Innovation” where every classroom was a step in a seamless pipeline from concept to execution. He tied student roles directly to project deliverables, building a culture of accountability and community pride — all showcased in regular public exhibitions of student work.

Jason’s knack for forging partnerships and telling the story behind the mission has brought in donations and support ranging from high-end tech like CNC machines and 3D printers to collaborations with major players like the University of Kentucky Solar Car Team and Microsoft. His blend of technical skill, entrepreneurial grit, and community-first mindset continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible when education, innovation, and real-world impact intersect.