Candidate for
State Representative; Barnstable, Dukes & Nantucket District

Jacob Ferreira has long been committed to a career in public service that was fostered by his strong family roots and experiences while growing up on Martha's Vineyard. He left the Vineyard to build upon these experiences through educational endeavors. Following the completion of his undergraduate studies at Northeastern University in June of 2003, he received notice of his acceptance into the internationally lauded, United States Coast Guard Officer Candidate School (OCS) program. Graduating as an honor platoon member of OCS Class 1-04, Jake first reported for duty in the First Coast Guard District's Operations, Planning, and Readiness branch in Boston, MA.

During his service career, Jake faced multiple assignments testing his strength of character and leadership. After only four months on the job, he was selected from a pool of elite junior officers to serve in the prominent role as Aide to the Commander, First Coast Guard District. During his tour as Military Aide, he had the opportunity to meet with and learn from senior leaders in industry and government. His work took him to every U.S. Coast Guard unit in the New England, New York, and northern New Jersey, directly assisting the First Coast Guard District Commander oversee 12,000 personnel and missions spanning 8 states and 2,000 miles of coastline.

Jake completed his active duty commitment as the Logistics Officer and member of the command cadre for Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) Boston. MSST Boston is a tactical law enforcement unit that is frequently deployed to various U.S. ports to set-up and maintain critical homeland security missions. He directly oversaw personnel across the unit's Engineering, Supply, Administration, Weapons, and Medical divisions. Jake currently serves in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves at Sector Southeastern New England in Woods Hole, MA. He was promoted to Lieutenant (O-3) in March 2008.

Jake is a 1998 graduate of Martha's Vineyard Regional High School and graduated with honors from Northeastern University, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. In 2006, he received a Masters Degree in Leadership with a concentration in Financial Services from Northeastern University. He has also had the privilege of working in private equity, venture capital, and institutional investment management while in the private sector.

Jake is an outdoor enthusiast and avid runner, recently completing his 10th marathon. He is also an active volunteer and received the Heroes Award for his work with the Children's Cancer Association, based in Portland, OR. Jake works full-time as the co-owner of a sustainable agriculture business on Martha's Vineyard, aimed at empowering local families and communities to grow their own food.