Leading with Vision and Innovation in Digital Technology for Public Affairs
Leader in Focus
Jonathan Korn, Senior Vice President of Innovation
Jon Korn’s journey at Unearth is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and a relentless drive to innovate. As a touring musician and former construction worker, Jon didn’t come from a traditional digital marketing or political background. However, his education in computational statistics, neurobiology, and computer science, combined with a deep interest in politics, laid a foundation of creative problem-solving that would shape his approach to public affairs and digital technology.
Now, as the Senior Vice President of Innovation at Unearth, Jon’s influence can be seen in every corner of the company, from developing groundbreaking products like Atlas Influence Targeting — precise digital advertising audiences for public affairs — to building Portal Advocacy Platform — a tool to collect and drive constituent messages to elected officials. Jon also recognized the need for clients to synchronize media buying across all platforms to increase reach, normalize frequency, and boost efficiency, which led to the creation of IMPACT Media Buying.
“Jon has a remarkable ability to distill complex data, develop innovative digital solutions, and craft winning strategies. Working with Jon feels like having a true partner invested in our success,” said Rick Heron, Chief Experience Officer at Western Health Advantage.
Jon’s alignment with Unearth’s core value of Fire in the Belly is clear in everything he does. His work is driven by a core belief that innovation is the key to staying ahead of the curve in an industry defined by rapid change. “Our industry is constantly evolving, and my role is to not only keep up with change but to stay ahead of it,” Jon says. This drive is evident as Jon is always seeking to create digital solutions that not only meet the needs of today but also anticipate the demands of tomorrow.
At Unearth, Jon’s focus isn’t just on delivering results — he strives to create an environment where new ideas can thrive and everyone is encouraged to push the envelope.
“Working under Jon for three years has been transformative for my professional growth and strategic understanding of digital advertising. Jon truly cares about investing in young talent to guide the next generation of digital public affairs professionals and is always eager to share creative solutions,” said Pierce Johnson, Senior Digital Specialist at Unearth.
What excites Jon most about working at Unearth is the opportunity to shape the future of public affairs through technology and data. He is inspired by the rapid advancements in the field, from AI to cloud computing, and the unique opportunity to apply these innovations to real-world public affairs campaigns.
In addition to his accomplishments at Unearth, including five promotions in ten years, Jon completed a Professional Certificate in Digital Transformation from MIT, covering fields such as Leadership and Innovation, Management of Technology, and Cultural Awareness for Global Business. This achievement only underscores his commitment to continuous learning and innovation.
When Jon isn’t in the office, he enjoys giving back to his community through organizations like Weave and the Solano Land Trust, and hanging out with his wife and two dogs, Iggy Pup and Siouxsie Chew. Jon also plays the bass and guitar for two local Sacramento bands and has toured internationally several times.