A fourth-generation Coloradan, Jerry was born and raised in Fruita, and resides in western Colorado. He previously served as the senior energy analyst for the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) working on energy policy connected to national parks across the country. In addition, Jerry served as the national co-chair of NPCA's justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion initiative from 2017-2020. Jerry also served on the staff of three United States senators, most recently as an aide and advisor to Senator Mark Udall of Colorado until 2015.