As a fourth Generation Sonoma Valley rancher, viticulturist and businessman, Jeff Kunde has a personal commitment to Sonoma Valley. Generations of the Kunde family have lived in this area for more than 114 years and built Kunde Family Winery, where Jeff serves as Chairman of the Board. Jeff has helped build Kunde wines into a nationally recognized brand, known throughout the industry for quality, sustainable practices and family. 

Jeff has been married for 33 years to his lovely wife Roberta. They have raised three children, Jared, Jenna and Jordan, who all work in the wine industry, from sales to farming. 

Jeff has experienced firsthand the many ways in which Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) helps shape the futures of so many Sonoma County residents. He graduated from SRJC himself, prior to going on to California State University, Chico. All three of his children have also attended SRJC and Jeff says that he feels his family’s history is deeply connected to SRJC.

As a 12-year member of the SRJC Board of Trustees, fourth generation Sonoma Valley resident, and SRJC graduate himself, Jeff knows firsthand SRJC’s importance to our community. He is committed to maintaining SRJC as one of the premier community colleges in California.

As a businessman, Jeff understands the importance of sound financial planning and sustainable business practices. Jeff is using these skills to meet changing student needs, while overseeing a successful implementation of Measure H bond funds to build the best facilities for SRJC's future.

Jeff also recognizes that an organization’s greatest assets are its employees and he wants to ensure the college continues to employ and retain the finest possible faculty and staff.

Continuing to serve SRJC and our community as your Trustee is one way for Jeff to thank SRJC for all they’ve done for his entire family. His dedication and commitment to the college and the community is best served by re-electing Jeff Kunde to the SRJC Board of Trustees.

• Trustee, Sonoma Valley Unified School District (2016-).
• Barrister, Richard M. Sangster American Inn of Court (2007-).
• Counsel, pro bono publico, Sonoma Ecology Center (2012-).
• Counsel, pro bono publico, Sonoma Valley Athletic Club (2008-). Incorporator, Sebastiani Theatre Foundation, Inc.
• Chair, City of Sonoma Budget Advisory Committee (2005-6).
• Chair, City of Sonoma Community Services & Environment Commission (2004-6).

John has been in private practice as an attorney in Sonoma since 2003, generally handling probate, real estate, and small business matters, including litigation. John graduated from UC Berkeley’s law school in 2002, where he was the Co-Editor in Chief of the Berkeley Journal of Criminal Law, and where he earned the Jurisprudence Award in Copyright Law. Before becoming an attorney, John developed technical expertise working as a webmaster for a software startup, and as a web developer for a commercial finance company.

John graduated from UCLA in 1997, with degrees in history and political science, earning his Bachelor's degree in three years. He graduated from Santa Rosa's Cardinal Newman High School in 1994, where he was all-league as a linebacker, and captain of the defense for the Cardinals' football team.

John is a regular player of recreational soccer, and enjoys watching football, drinking wine with his winemaker wife Gianna, and laughing at the ridiculous antics of their three daughters, Siena (10), Allegra (8), and Margaux (1).

Education
J.D., University of Califomia, Berkeley, 2002.
B.A., University of California, Los Angeles, 1997.

Our college needs us now.

For 100 years our Santa Rosa Junior Collegehas taught technical skills and prepared us for higher education; made second chances and second careers possible; brought us together for dialogue on tough topics; contributed to our economy; and drawn fresh energy to our community. But, nearly half of all current jobs won’t exist in 20 years, and our college needs to prepare students to be successful in a rapidly changing, uncertain future. 

Trustees must: 1) actively engage students, staff, and business and community leaders so students are adequately prepared; 2) drive financial stability; and 3) incorporate evolving technologies to anticipate workforce and community needs.

As a Trustee for the Sonoma Valley Unified School District, (a feeder district for SRJC), I’ve led the process to achieve accountability and long-term financial sustainability. As a lawyer, I have the experience to put us on a stronger footing. And, as a father, I understand the importance of an energized college for future generations.

It’s time we had a Trustee with the energy and determination to meet the challenges of the future. I’m dedicated to making sure our college will remain a modern resource for our community and our students for another 100 years.