Economic Strategy Professionals, LLC

Catalyzing the Future with Experience, Science, and Psychology.

John has a 30-year career as an association, foundation, economic development, chamber of commerce, and fund raising professional. He has raised more than $160 million and has created more than 10,000 jobs for the organizations and communities for which he has served. He personally created a Council of Thought Leaders that worked with local and national businesses in guiding their community initiatives. John acquired a national reputation by being selected for the ‘Committee of 100’ by the United States Chamber of Commerce and was honored by American Chamber of Commerce Executive with the elite Chairman’s Award. John holds Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation from the American Society of Association Executives, Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) designation from the American Chamber of Commerce Executives and an Institute of Organizational Management (IOM) designation from the United States Chamber of Commerce and is one of a handful of leaders in the nation that hold all three designations. Recently served in the Library of Congress on the Biz Research Guidance Desk.

John’s track record of non-profit management and fund-raising successes enables him to be uniquely qualified to develop and lead community-based initiatives. He has been recognized throughout the country for his creative and innovate programing.  In Maryland he was selected as the Outstanding Young Banker of the Year, in California outstanding Junior Chamber President of the Year, in his first Chamber leading a five-county association and foundation, he was recognized with 26 national awards, in Michigan he was honored with 33 national awards including four national “Program of the Year” awards in Economic Development, Community Development, Advocacy and Membership. In Florida, his Chamber was ranked Top–3 Metro Chambers in North America. He was also honored by the US Chamber of Commerce with a rare 4 STAR Accreditation that defines excellence in their communities. In Virginia, his Chamber became a national two-time award-winning association and succeeded in a rigorous process to qualify in back-to-back years as a national Chamber of the Year candidate for the first time since its inception in 1906. Also, the association he co-founded in Virginia in its inaugural year received an International GOLD Award by the Assoc. of Mktg. & Communication Professionals (AMCP).  

Summary of Experience

· Co-Founder in 2019 of a non-profit 501c6 business association to strengthen the health & vitality of a historic community on the Potomac River with magnificent views of the nation’s capital.

· Formed a public/private economic development coalition that relocated a Worldwide Animal Health Headquarters to the US retaining 6,000 jobs while contributing $46 million to the region.

· Established a strong educational and technology partnership that generated $65.8 million in transportation funding and $25 million to erect a Bioscience Center and Institute.

· Created/served as inaugural Chairman of national award-winning regional Poverty Reduction Initiative.

· Negotiated to move an 8-county Procurement Technical Assistance Center under a Regional Chamber that secured 2,000 new jobs and more than $100 million in government grants.

· Instrumental in unifying a diverse alliance that raised $500,000 annually for establishment of a county Homeless Housing Program. 

· Served as President and CEO in 2008 of one of the ‘Top-3” Chambers in North America.

 

· Honored by the Ford Foundation with a FORD FELLOWSHIP in Regional & Sustainable Development.

· Chosen to attend the Aspen Institute for Transformational Leadership.

· Graduated: University of Baltimore Merrick School of Business MBA and University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business Stonier Graduate School of Banking.