Jason's passion to become involved with local politics began at the age of nine. His mother was an advocate for environmental clean up and became an elected official in the town of Southington, CT where he was raised. She was appointed to the Board of Directors for the League of Women Voters for over 10 years and a volunteer environmental activist serving multiple task forces to Governor William O'Neill and Senator Joe Lieberman. Through her actions, Jason was exposed to local government and learned by becoming involved, you can have a positive impact on your community. 

Northampton can benefit from new ideas for creating sustainable revenue while maintaining its identity as an inclusive cultural and academic community. Jason’s leadership and negotiating skills, unique background, and extensive business experience can serve the city and greater community by providing solutions to the increasing economic pressures facing Northampton. As a resident of Round Hill Road, Jason promises to advocate with a strong voice for the residents of Ward 2 and preserve the high quality of life all citizens deserve. Jason looks forward to meeting with his neighbors and earning your support by engaging in open dialogue. He welcomes any input, advice, and ideas you may have. Please feel free to contact Jason at jason@votejasonfoster.com.

In early 2003, Jason moved with his wife and young son to the Northampton area for its great quality of life. Once here, Jason pursued several local and national business opportunities as an owner, investor, and strategic business advisor. Jason has been actively involved in the community during his ten years. He served on the board of directors of the Hampshire Regional YMCA from 2005 to 2011, holding the office of Vice-Chairman and Secretary for four of his six years. In 2009, Jason purchased Northampton Karate to support the dojo community of twenty-five years and ensure its continued success. As a practitioner of martial arts, Jason devotes several hours per week teaching children ages five to twelve. Jason and his family look forward to enjoying many more years in their adopted hometown and continued involvement in the community.     

As an undergraduate at Emory University, Jason was selected to serve the global community as an intern at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta, GA from 1989 to 1991.  This experience planted the seeds for his international business career.  Shortly after graduating in 1991 with degrees in finance and international business, he landed in Beijing where he taught English at the North China University of Technology. Jason immersed himself in the culture and language through his daily interactions with students, educators, business people, and diplomats. His exposure to a wide diversity of opinions and agendas and his ability to work successfully with those differences allowed him to pursue international business endeavors.  After attaining fluency in Chinese and completing his teaching commitment in 1992, he moved to Taiwan and worked for a small multi-national company. In 1994, Jason co-founded a market research company with two young Americans in Shanghai. Under Jason’s guidance as the Managing Director and over a period of five years, the company expanded with offices in Beijing, Guangzhou, and New York, employing over one hundred people. In 1999, at the age of thirty, Jason sold his equity in the business and moved to London where he accepted a position as senior vice president of an internet start-up. He spent the following three years building operations in six countries negotiating and structuring business deals throughout Europe.