Jonathan Nadle has been GASP’s president for two years now, having joined GASP as a member a decade ago. A Penn State grad with a political science degree, Jonathan believes in “staying involved” and has worked on various political campaigns, community cleanups, and environmental causes.
An active board member, Jonathan sits on GASP’s Communications Committee and helps proofread and edit the Hotline, in addition to coordinating GASP events and meetings. Previously he served for several years as vice president and prior to that as board secretary.
Jonathan’s interest in environmental issues extends to his job, where he works as an energy auditor and program manager for Conservation Consultants, Inc., a local nonprofit that works to increase the efficient use of energy and resources in the built environment. He also makes time to contact decision-makers about topics he cares about. As he points out, “unfortunately there’s no shortage of environmental issues courtesy of the Bush administration.”
In his spare time, Jonathan “enjoys hiking the many trails our region is blessed with, road biking, camping, and canoeing.” He has played competitive volleyball since high school. He can often be seen in Frick Park with his dog, Sapphire, an unusual mix of Husky, Shepherd, and Beagle. He can’t help but admit that “She’s very cute and knows it.”
When not working or spending time outdoors, he enjoys exploring the city’s extensive variety of interesting restaurants.
When asked if he has any interesting stories to tell, Jonathan shares this one:
“Two summers ago, I was helping a friend caulk around her windows. A thunderstorm was brewing outside, but I didn’t pay much attention as I was focusing on the task at hand. The window frames were metal, by the way. About the third window, I heard a buzz and felt tingling, and then an arc of electricity leapt from the frame to my hand.
For a second, I thought I had somehow contacted the electric outlet below the window, but when I heard an enormous boom, I realized a close lightning strike had electrified the window! I learned the hard way to heed the advice not to be near metal windows or doors during an electrical storm.
After recovering from the surprise shock, I looked out the window and saw flames shooting from the roof of a nearby house — a direct strike to the metal roof vent. I ran to the house and pounded on all the doors. No one was home. Neighbors started to come out, saying they couldn’t call the fire department because their phones were dead. Lesson two: Cordless phones may not work when the power is out.
Fortunately, I had my cell phone and was able to reach the fire department. They were able to save the house, but it suffered extensive damage. I have a deeper respect for the power and potential danger of lightning.”