John is a seasoned convener and community connector with decades of experience managing civic campaigns and advocacy efforts for the common good. Valuing diverse perspectives, he balances compassion, cooperation, and a sense of urgency, believing in working with humor alongside hard work. Inspired by his mentor’s advice to “attract more bees with honey than vinegar,” John has crafted a collaborative approach to leadership.

He began his career in politics as the youngest statewide campaign manager for a presidential campaign at 25, leading George H.W. Bush’s Pennsylvania efforts. At Eddie Mahe Company, he managed mayoral, gubernatorial, and Senate races across several states. For over 25 years, John partnered with civic leader Elsie Hillman on initiatives like Save Our Summer, keeping Pittsburgh’s pools open for underfunded communities, and Run, Baby Run, a nonpartisan PAC supporting women candidates in Pennsylvania.

John served as program officer for the Hillman Foundation and founded Pittsburgh Social Venture Partners (SVP), a nonprofit accelerator that provides hands-on support to local organizations. Collaborating with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he established the Chuck Noll Foundation for Brain Injury Research, advancing brain injury diagnostics and treatments.

Raised in Derry, Pennsylvania, John served on O’Hara Township Council for over a decade. He holds degrees from Robert Morris University and Carnegie Mellon University. On fall Sundays, you’ll find him in Section 525, Row C, Seat 25, cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers.