A respected senior executive leader, John has extensive experience leading private and public organizations. John joined The Mill, Bloomington's home for innovators, to catalyze the regional innovation ecosystem, including leading collaborations with Indiana University, investors, and the robust start-up community. A key priority includes developing and managing The Trades District, a regional innovation hub located in Bloomington's certified tech park.

Prior to joining The Mill, John served as Dentons’ Global Chief Innovation Officer, working closely with the Firm’s lawyers designing innovative programs and solutions, driving greater efficiencies, engagements, and revenue. John was also a Managing Director of Nextlaw Ventures, the industry’s first global legal tech venture launched by Dentons in 2015.

Prior to joining Dentons, John served as President Barack Obama’s Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. During his tenure, he launched groundbreaking federal initiatives to accelerate innovation-based growth strategies. John served as Bloomington, Indiana’s mayor from 1996 to 2003.