Jonathan Freiden is a seasoned entrepreneur, board advisor, and environmental visionary with over 30 years of leadership experience spanning the private, government, and nonprofit sectors. As the founder and CEO of Biomora, an environmental biotechnology company based in Leawood, Kansas, Jonathan is pioneering the use of advanced plant-based technologies to address some of the world’s most critical ecological challenges—from PFAS and heavy metal contamination to wildfire prevention and ecosystem restoration.

At Biomora, Jonathan leads a multidisciplinary team dedicated to unlocking climate value through nature-based innovation. The company’s proprietary trait-enhanced Vetiver hybrids combine scientific rigor with natural resilience to remediate contaminated land and water, generate verified ecological credits, and support insurance-linked environmental risk mitigation strategies. Under his leadership, Biomora has become a trailblazer in sustainable technology, proving that scalable environmental solutions can be both effective and commercially viable.

Jonathan’s entrepreneurial journey began in the energy sector, where he founded Blue Star Energy, an oil and gas development firm operating in Southeast Kansas and Eastern Kentucky. Through its international arm, Blue Star Limited in Hong Kong, he negotiated government-backed contracts with major global energy buyers and U.S. federal agencies, acting as a trusted subject matter expert. His ability to operate across borders, sectors, and stakeholder groups has made him a unique bridge between policy, innovation, and business.

In 2016, Jonathan founded Energeni, a clean-tech company focused on capturing waste methane gas and converting it into clean energy. Energeni also developed low-cost renewable technologies, including vertical wind turbines, solar concentrators, and water purification systems aimed at providing sustainable infrastructure in developing regions. His work has consistently centered around deploying innovation to improve both planetary and human well-being.

Earlier in his career, Jonathan served as president and CEO of U.S. Toy Company / Constructive Playthings, a third-generation family-owned business where he helped drive digital transformation and international growth. Under his leadership, the company became an early adopter of e-commerce platforms like Amazon and expanded its proprietary product line to more than 15,000 SKUs serving retail, wholesale, and government clients worldwide.

Jonathan is deeply committed to community service and has served on numerous nonprofit and advisory boards, including Miracle of Innocence, the Blue Valley School District Communications Advisory Board, and the National Ski Patrol, where he is a certified Outdoor Emergency Care Technician. He was a governor-appointed board member of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and co-founded the Alliance for Childhood Education, a nonprofit advocacy organization. He is also a graduate of the prestigious FBI Citizens Academy, a member of Rotary International, and an engaged mentor at the UMKC Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute.

Jonathan holds a bachelor’s degree in political science, business, and legal studies from Washington University in St. Louis, and a master’s degree in business from Northwestern University, with a focus on digital and online marketing.

With a global perspective shaped by business experience in China and Europe, and a passion for sustainability, Jonathan brings unmatched insight into innovation, strategic growth, and organizational leadership. Today, he is actively seeking additional board opportunities where he can help mission-driven organizations unlock value, navigate change, and scale with purpose. For Jonathan, board service is not only a way to give back—it’s a rewarding opportunity to collaborate with leaders, build resilient enterprises, and shape a more sustainable future.

Character: Jonathan Freiden demonstrates integrity and dedication through decades of community service and ethical leadership across multiple sectors.

Knowledge: He possesses deep expertise in environmental biotechnology, clean energy, and international business development.

Strategic: Jonathan excels at driving innovation, scaling startups, and guiding organizations through growth and restructuring.

Communication: He is an effective mentor and board advisor who clearly articulates vision, motivates teams, and builds collaborative partnerships.