Born and raised in British Columbia John obtained a Bachelor of Recreation Education at UBC and subsequently a Diploma in Public Administration at the University of Victoria.

John has worked with both rural and urban municipalities across BC. Starting his career in the City of Vancouver, John moved to Prince George, where he worked with small rural communities as well as with the City of Prince until he returned to the lower mainland to develop and implement a Parks Recreation and Culture Master Plan for the Corporation of Delta.

Working with the City of Prince George he was introduced to the world of multi sport events with the Northern BC Winter Games and became President of the Games. Subsequent Games involvement include; Facility Director BC Games, Mission staff for the Western Canada Summer Games and Canada Games, and, most recently, the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games.