John Bateson

For 16 years I was executive director of a nationally-certified crisis intervention and suicide prevention center in the San Francisco Bay Area. When I left, I received a special commendation from the California Legislature for my work. I have also been executive director of three university-run counseling centers, and deputy director of a two-county social service agency. In 1996 I was chosen to carry the Olympic torch.

​​

Earlier in my career I worked as a freelance editor. I also reviewed biographies, novels, and books on environmental and social issues for the San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco Review of Books, and Pacific Sun magazine. Since 2013 my primary focus has been writing. I also serve on the board of Bridge Rail Foundation, an all-volunteer nonprofit agency dedicated to ending suicides on the Golden Gate Bridge.