JAMIE LUBENKO

Family

I am a third-generation District 5 resident and the proud granddaughter of Harold and Marie Colburn, JD Maxwell, Janet and Vern Greilich.  Like his father before him, my father, Jon Colburn, is a steadfast civil servant; he has served as a Plymouth City Council member and an Amador County Supervisor.  My mother, Dixie Cameron was a free-spirit who never knew a single stranger – a lover of horses, books of all kinds, and a good game of pool.  In my own life, I've applied the grit I learned from my mother’s side of the family to my father’s sense of civic duty. Growing up as a Colburn, I took enormous pride in the numerous plaques seen in front of our community's institutions, recognizing my family's vision and contributions.

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Twenty-seven years ago, I proudly took the name Lubenko when I married my husband, Ronn. The Lubenkos, much like the Colburns, have worked hard for generations to support this community and their neighbors. The Lubenkos solve the problems that come their way, never complaining, but accepting the challenge.  I love that our hardworking children are a reflection of these shared values.

Ronn and I raised our three children—Bailey, Jonny, and Michael—in Fiddletown. They all attended Plymouth Elementary, Ione Jr High, and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Our sons now work in our family construction business, and Bailey, a small business owner and new mom, lives in Ione with her husband, Tyler, and their son, Caden. My kids' decision to build their lives in Amador County, and the arrival of our first grandchild further inspire my commitment to serve District 5.

Career

I started my career as a radio personality with a trade-school education in broadcasting and communications.  Initially, my career took me to KCMJ radio in Southern California, but I soon found my way back to Amador County's radio station, K-Nugget.  During my tenure with KNGT, I learned firsthand the many trials local merchants face and how the economy and political decisions can significantly impact their operations. 

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My radio career eventually led to public relations and my role as the Executive Director of the Amador Vintners Association.  I worked for nearly a decade to promote Amador County's growing wine industry.  In this role, I also learned the importance of advocacy by working alongside our partners, The Wine Institute and the California Association of Wine Grape Growers.  

The most important experience I bring to the office of County Supervisor is by far my experience as a small business owner.  Ronn and I started Shenandoah Excavating in 2006 and Prospect Cellars in 2014.  Nothing can fully prepare you for the satisfaction of creating jobs and building community.  Conversely, nothing can fully prepare you for the exhaustion and frustration that come with navigating the challenges of operating a small business.  As a county supervisor, I will work hard to help small businesses thrive in Amador County. 

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