Cal Poly Pomona Philanthropic Foundation

Earl Gales Jr.

Earl E. Gales Jr.

Earl Gales Jr.

Former Chairman
Jenkins/Gales & Martinez Inc.

B.S., Urban Planning, 1972

Earl Gales was a founding member of the Cal Poly Pomona Philanthropic Foundation Board, and his impact can be seen all over Los Angeles. Gales was the founder and chairman of Jenkins/Gales & Martinez Inc. (JGM), an architectural and construction management firm serving Southern California and international regions.

Founded in 1981, JGM has played a key role in the revitalization of the Los Angeles region, directing or partnering on important civic projects, including the redevelopment of the Bunker Hill district, the Staples Center, the Los Angeles Convention Center, and Exposition Park, as well as underserved communities throughout Southern California.

Gales earned a bachelor’s degree in urban planning from Cal Poly Pomona in 1972, followed by a master’s degree in urban design/planning from UCLA in 1974. In his life, he advised two U.S. presidents on transportation and infrastructure development and two governors on mentorship and volunteer service.

Earl passed away on November 20, 2022, and is survived by his wife, Starla, and four children: Earl, Ryan, Starla, and Kaiya; and five grandchildren: Russell, Edward, SungHee, MinJee, and Miles.

PolyCentric In Memoriam: Earl Gales Jr.