Mr. Jacobs runs Avalon Development, a private development company based in Buffalo. He is extremely active in community and educational affairs, serving as an at-large member of the Buffalo Board of Education; a board member of the Bison Scholarship Fund; and a Board member of the New York State Charter Schools Association. He received his B.A. from Boston College, an M.B.A. from American University, and a J.D. from SUNY Buffalo. He lives in Buffalo with his wife and stepson.