Jonathan Houck was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. Immediately after high school he took a job as a ranger at Philmont Scout Ranch in northern New Mexico. That summer in the mountains changed everything and he moved west for good in 1990. After a short-lived Front Range experience, Jonathan relocated to Gunnison in 1992 to attend Western State Colorado University and graduated in 1996 with a degree in sociology, minor in geography, and a secondary teaching license. He has proudly lived in the Gunnison Valley longer than any other place.
Family Man
Toward the end of his school career, Jonathan helped get the Gunnison Valley School off the ground and taught for the school district from 1997 until 2006. In 2003, Jonathan married Roanne Rouse, a native of Crested Butte. They have two young school aged children: Iris and Porter Houck. After a rewarding stint as a stay-at-home dad, Jonathan returned to education and most recently was the project coordinator for the Gunnison County Substance Abuse Prevention Project (GCSAPP).
Business & Work Experience
Jonathan has worked in a variety of sectors outside of education in the Gunnison Valley including hospitality, retail, construction, and ranch work. Along with his wife Roanne, they own the Main Street Clinic, which offers a variety of wellness opportunities for the Gunnison Valley. Additionally, they own Acli-Mate: Natural Sport Drinks. These products were developed by Dr. Roanne Houck as a natural solution to altitude sickness and are available across the mountain west.
Jonathan served on the city Planning and Zoning Commission and was elected to two terms on the Gunnison City Council including serving as mayor. He has been active in the community with the Boy Scouts, the Arts Council, the Gunnison United Church of Christ, and numerous outdoor recreation organizations.
Hobbies & Interests
In his free time, Jonathan can be found exploring local sustainability ideas, reading, and volunteering. Jonathan, along with his family, enjoys exploring the Gunnison country by mountain and road biking, skiing, backpacking, and climbing.
First Appointment: January 2013
Current Term Expiration: January 2029