John Gunnarson
DIRECTOR
John was born in San Francisco and grew up in the Bay Area. Before settling in the San Geronimo Valley in 1981, he lived in Redwood City, Berkeley, Wisconsin, Hawaii, and Japan—experiences that deepened his appreciation for the role place and community play in shaping people’s lives. A passionate advocate for affordable housing, John believes that secure, stable homes are the bedrock of vibrant, inclusive communities where people of all backgrounds can flourish. He is committed to ensuring that the San Geronimo and Nicasio Valleys remain welcoming, diverse, and affordable—places where neighbors know each other, where community thrives, and where nature is valued. John lives in Woodacre with his wife, Marcia. They have four adult children—Jason, Siri, Laurel, and Eric—and are proud grandparents to five grandchildren. John previously served as a trustee and president of the Lagunitas School District Board of Trustees. Professionally, John worked in early childhood education, teaching at the College of Marin and California State University, East Bay, and consulting with schools across the United States. His work centered on helping educators and schools to create child-centered environments and curriculum in which all children thrive.