A native of the Bay Area, Jean Polley moved to Sonoma County in the late 1960’s. Her background encompasses an extensive combination of work on behalf of the community, education, youth and women.

She taught third grade for four years. From 1988-1999, she worked as Prevention Coordinator for West County Community Services, doing teacher trainings for drug and alcohol prevention. Jean also coordinated the Impact Program at El Molino High School, something she considers among her finest achievements (along with raising her children). Impact is an early intervention with at-risk youth to keep these students in school.

In community outreach, Jean has worked as a YWCA volunteer for the Sonoma County Shelter for Battered Women; co-chaired the Youth Ambassador program for the Sebastopol Chamber of Commerce; served on the West County Commission for Drug and Alcohol Prevention; president of Omega Nu, a service organization dedicated to raise funds for programs that assist at-risk women and children; and is currently a member of PEO, an organization committed to provide scholarships to further women's education.

Jean is also a member of the Sebastopol Community Church, and has served on various boards and committees, including: church moderator, chair of the Board of Christian Education, and chair of the Diaconate Board.

At San Jose State University, Jean met her husband, Harry, and they were married one week after graduation in 1966 and came north to Sonoma County. Jean and Harry have three grown children: David, Andrea and Benjamin, and three grandchildren. In addition to visiting with their family, they love traveling, fly-fishing, birding, kayaking and enjoying the "bounty of Sonoma County’s food and wine industry." Jean also likes to quilt, swim and exercise by doing Pilates.

About five years ago, Jean and Harry became subscribers of the Rep along with their friends, Anne and Craig Campbell. "During the last two years, we have perceived a gradual improvement in the quality of productions. After lunch with Jennifer King, I realized this is more than just a mere perception. I find Jennifer's vision very exciting and her enthusiasm very contagious."