Jessica Libien has been the general manager at the Marin Bocce Federation since 2018. She has been instrumental in revamping the organization and bringing in a younger demographic to this classic Italian sport.
What do you do? Aside from being GM, I’m a board member of the United States Bocce Federation, as well as a veteran bocce ball player.
Where do you live? Gerstle Park, San Rafael.
How long have you lived in Marin? I grew up in Marin and moved back here about 15 years ago.
Where can we find you when you’re not at work?
Spending time with my wife, gardening, cooking or tackling a new DIY project.
If you had to convince someone how awesome Marin was, where would you take them?
Well, honestly I would take them to Marin Bocce. It doesn’t get any better than a hot summer night at Marin Bocce, playing bocce under the lights with your friends and family.
What’s one thing Marin is missing?
Can someone please open a proper Korean BBQ, hot pot or a Filipino restaurant? Having gone to high school in San Francisco and living there for years, it’s apparent that Marin needs better authentic Asian restaurants.
What’s one bit of advice you’d share with your fellow Marinites? There are so many hikers in this beautiful area. Please check yourselves and your dogs for ticks. Lyme disease is very prevalent in Marin County, and it’s such a horrible and debilitating disease. I contracted it in 1988, in the woods of Novato. It’s here, it’s rampant and it wreaks havoc once contracted.
If you could invite anyone to a special dinner, who would they be?
Martin Luther King, Jr. Now that would be an inspiring and special dinner!
What is some advice you wish you knew 20 years ago?
Treat your body well. It’s the only one you are given, so take care of it.
What is something that in 20 years from now will seem cringeworthy? Today’s rap music. I can’t stand it, and it all sounds the same. Bring me back to the ’90s hip-hop and R&B.
Big question. What is one thing you’d do to change the world? Free mental health and therapy for everyone. There are too many people in this world that are suffering and do not have the money or skills to ask for help, nor do they understand why they are struggling.
Keep up with Libien at @j_libs__ and Marin Bocce at @marinbocce on Instagram.
Nish Nadaraja was on the founding team at Yelp, serves on the San Anselmo Arts Commission and attempts to play pickleball at Fairfax’s Cañon Club.
Great article..Jessica is the real deal …she is instrumental in keeping Bocce alive in Marin. The Marin Bocce Federation remains one of the nations premier bocce facilities due to her hard work, future vision, abilities to recruit players, educate and manage the federation involving the hundreds of players who “roll” weekly in San Rafael
Fantastic article!!!! She is amazing!!!!