A native of Hibbing, Minnesota who grew up during the downturn of mining on the Iron Range, John understands the constant need for fostering economic development and diversity. He has a focused approach to market development, and his competitive nature fuels his passion to find both opportunities and solutions.

He earned a B.A. degree in communications from the University of Minnesota Duluth. He spent several years as a manager in the media industry throughout northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.

Participation

Since 2000, John has been president of WestmorelandFlint, and serves as a consultant on the Praxis Strategy Group team. He has been a strategic consultant for the Iron Mining Association of Minnesota, Iron Range Resources, the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, and Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX).

John is involved in higher education work, working with the University of Minnesota Duluth and the UMD Center for Economic Development. He is also on the Regent Candidate Advisory Council for the University of Minnesota.