John spent his early career in education, including twenty years at Shawnigan Lake School, on Vancouver Island. Shawnigan Lake School, a leader in independent boarding school education, made an early and significant investment in its future by supporting a bold advancement strategy. John, a passionate advocate of independent school education, served as Director of the Shawnigan Foundation for twelve years.

John’s delivery of philanthropic leadership has taken him to Britain, USA, China, Denmark, Holland, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia and U.A.E. His single-minded focus on major gift philanthropy and board development has enabled his clients to attract significant resources to their organizations. John represents Global Philanthropic with an active list of clients across and is a much sought-after speaker on all aspects of fundraising, especially on the creation of all-encompassing advancement programs, whilst focusing on capital campaigns, annual fund strategies and planned giving. His lengthy experience in China is considered a significant asset by his clients. Since joining Global, John has also achieved significant success in guiding healthcare, the arts and social service clients.

John is the Past-President of the Vancouver Island Chapter of AFP.   He was honoured by his Canadian colleagues in 2011 with the prestigious CAISAP Heaman Award for his contributions to philanthropy in Canada. John obtained an MA from the University of Victoria.