A Peoria-area native, Jonathan received his bachelor’s degree from Bradley University in 1998, majoring in business management with an emphasis on entrepreneurship.
He then attended Denver Technical College in Colorado, earning a certificate in information systems programming, and spent five years as a computer programmer/analyst at MetLife before moving back to the area in 2005.
After a stint as lead web developer with Integrity Technology Solutions, he joined Peoria Magazines in 2006 as Editor In Chief. A 2008 graduate of the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership School, he served two three-year terms on the associate board of Peoria Public Radio and the board of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois. He currently sits on the board of the Sun Foundation for Advancement in the Environmental Sciences and Arts, the Advisory Council for the Turner Center for Entrepreneurship at Bradley University, and the Marketing Committee for the Community Foundation of Central Illinois.
In addition to teaching a course in magazine production at Bradley University, he has logged time as an independent publisher, freelance writer, musician, DJ and concert promoter. He resides in Peoria with his wife, Dr. Mae Gilliland Wright.