Jon Ball
Founding Director and Chairman of the San José Light Tower Corporation
Jon Ball is a builder who retired at the end of 2016, concluding a very successful 40 year career managing large, complex construction projects in most of the Western US. For the past 33 years, Jon progressed through the ranks at Hensel Phelps , a highly respected and 100% employee owned commercial building contractor. During the final 20 years at Hensel Phelps, Jon provided leadership as a senior voice on their board of directors, while in command of all work in northern California. Along the way, Jon’s responsibilities were expanded to include all of California, Hawaii, and Guam. Earlier in life, while still in his native state of Illinois, he achieved a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana campus, and later became a licensed professional engineer.More recently, Jon has become a civic leader, with focus on: The Rotary Club of San Jose (past board member, and a cabinet member and in-kind general contractor sponsor of the Rotary PlayGarden, the Club’s $6 million centennial gift to the City of San Jose, and the residents of the neighboring communities). Silicon Valley Monterey Bay Council, Boy Scouts of America, which serves over 13,000 local youth (President, 2017 and 2018). Cancer CAREpoint (Jon and Paula are proud to be among the initial and continuing donors and supporters of this organization which provides free non-clinical support to cancer patients and their caregivers). Associated General Contractors of California (22 year member; President, 2015). Via Services, Inc. (Sponsor and in-kind project mentor). Most importantly, Jon is a founding director and chairman of the San José Light Tower Corporation, along with founding partners Steve Borkenhagen and Thomas Wohlmut. Jon enjoys biking, sailing, climbing, sports cars, and helping others. Jon has been married to Paula for 39 years, and they are the very proud parents of their daughter, Kathleen.
