Meet the Team

Jared Blakeley

Major Gifts Director

Jared Blakeley (he/him) has a diverse background in fundraising and nonprofit philanthropy. As major gifts director, he manages relationships with major donors and planned giving donors to secure major funding for KPBS' core projects and operations. Prior to joining KPBS, he worked at Rady Children’s Hospital Foundation for 11 years, most recently as director of philanthropy, and as the annual giving officer preceding that. Jared received his bachelor’s in English from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a certificate in Fundraising Management from Indiana University, and a certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of San Diego. Jared is happy to call San Diego home for the past 12 years, and excited to help advance the mission of KPBS. When not consuming copious amounts of news and politics, Jared can be found spending time with his wife and three children, cooking, walking the dog or just tinkering in his garage.

RECENT STORIES ON KPBS

Becoming Thurgood Community Discussion

WXXI’s screening of "Becoming Thurgood" explored the legacy of Thurgood Marshall—Civil Rights litigator, Brown v. Board architect, and the first Black U.S. Supreme Court Justice. A panel led by Kearstin Piper Brown with Dr. Shaun Nelms, Judge Melissa L. Barrett, and Spencer Ash, Esq., discussed the film’s themes and their relevance to justice and equity today.
Whales That Wouldn't Die

Jennifer Robinson

Stream now with KPBS+ / Watch Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025 at 11p.m. on KPBS TV. A program that follows the history of the gray whales, from the times when it was hunted to near extinction to the recovery of their population. As we expand our use of the lands and waters of this planet, we make life impossible for many species of animals. Each year, at least one known species is lost forever. This is the story of the gray whale, an endangered species that survived. A giant symbol of nature's resiliency.
Health

The MAHA plan for healthier kids includes 128 ideas, but few details

Allison Aubrey

Maria Godoy

Carmel Wroth

The Make America Healthy Again commission is proposing more than 100 moves to address the root causes of childhood chronic disease. Critics say other Trump administration moves contradict the goals.
Whales That Wouldn't Die

A program that follows the history of the gray whales, from the times when it was hunted to near extinction to the recovery of their population. As we expand our use of the lands and waters of this planet, we make life impossible for many species of animals.
Environment

Will California extend cap and trade? Legislative negotiations go down to the wire

Maya C. Miller

California lawmakers are rushing to extend the state’s landmark cap-and-trade climate program through 2045 amid opposition from unions and industry.
National

60 years later, Sandy Koufax's perfect game is still amazing

Steve Futterman

Tuesday marks 60 years since Sandy Koufax threw a perfect game at Dodger Stadium. The 1-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs is still considered one of the best games in baseball history.