Jonathan founded the Pennsylvania Legislative Exchange (PLE) with his project partner, John Richter at the University of Pittsburgh Institute of Politics this year. He has also launched similar initiatives in 2025 called the Michigan Legislative Exchange (MILE) and Minnesota Legislative Exchange (MLE).
The concept is based on a very successful program Jonathan established called the American Congressional Exchange (ACE) sponsored by the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) in Washington, D.C. Since 2018, ACE has completed over 55 exchange trips with members of Congress and is recognized on Capitol Hill (and elsewhere) for its effectiveness in bridging differences and for the results that see participating members working together after they finish their visits.
Jonathan began his career in Washington in the 1980s, first working for the Northeast-Midwest Congressional Coalition and Institute and then as a professional staff member for the U.S. Senate Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Energy, Nuclear Proliferation, and Government Processes. During his time in Washington, Jonathan also performed with and wrote lyrics for the renowned Capitol Steps musical political satire group.
From 1988-1992, Jonathan served as director of governmental affairs for The Greater New Haven, CT Chamber of Commerce and then became the executive director of The Evanston, IL Chamber of Commerce (1992-2010). In 2006, he founded The Perman Group, a public affairs and public policy consultancy based in Chicago, and from which ACE was originally created. Jonathan is an accomplished corporate and government/public affairs executive and civic leader with a proven record of providing expertise and guidance to businesses, non-profit institutions, governmental bodies, and professional and trade organizations. He also serves as Senior Advisor, Government Affairs at Jasculca Terman Strategic Communications in Chicago. A graduate of Macalester College, St. Paul, MN, Jonathan holds a Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.) from the University of Michigan Gerald R. Ford School.