A Seattle native and resident, Jabe graduated from Yale University in 1982 with a degree in Applied Mathematics and went to work for Microsoft, designing the first version of Excel and becoming the company’s first Program Manager. In 1994 he left Microsoft to teach mathematics and physics at his alma mater, Lakeside High School in Seattle, where he was the Head of the Science Department until the end of the 2003 school year.

Since then he has served on the board and as chair of Climate Solutions for over 10 years, as well as on the board of the Bullitt Foundation, the Washington Environmental Council, and the Washington State Budget and Policy Center.  In 2006 he co-founded the Washington Progress Alliance, serving on the board and as board chair and most recently helped found the New Hampshire Progress Alliance. He remains active in climate and clean energy advocacy and investing.