Known for energizing teams and delivering strategy with impact, John has deep expertise in digital media, audience insights, product development, and organizational growth. In his role as Chief Strategy and Operations Officer at Local Media Association, his focus is on strategic alignment and implementation in addition to operational excellence and program leadership.

John leads LMA’s Family and Independent Media Sustainability Lab and the AI Community Journalism Lab. He is the founder of Pinwheel Insights, which focuses on digital content innovation, business transformation, and collaborative ideation. Prior to founding Pinwheel, he served as Vice President for News and Chief Content Officer at Lee Enterprises. John is also the former President & Publisher of the Wisconsin State Journal and the Arizona Daily Star, where he co-founded the nationally acclaimed Tucson Festival of Books.

John started his career as a sportswriter in Chicago.