Previously serving as the Farmer Programs Outreach Coordinator (FPOC), John started as the Conservation Technician focusing on MAEAP and other farmer programs in November of 2024.

John was born and raised in Dearborn, Michigan with a deep connection to nature, outdoor recreation, and education. He received his bachelor’s degree in Zoology from Michigan State University and pursued a career as a zookeeper at both the Kansas City and Houston Zoos. There he was able to share his passion for wildlife with guests, develop strong interpretation skills, learn from some amazing conservationists and be directly involved in connecting his community with conservation efforts.  His favorite animals are tapirs (all 4 species) and was able to join a life changing research expedition in Brazil to track, monitor, and study the lowland tapir.

He served as a chapter chair for the American Association of Zookeepers (AAZK) as well as the Houston Audubon Young Professional Advisory Council (YPAC) and continues to incorporate volunteer roles into his efforts. Upon returning to Dearborn, Michigan in 2021 he served as the Agriculture Supervisor at Greenfield Village for a year of intensive learning on agricultural practices of the 1880s, including how to drive a team of horses to operate plows, harrows, reapers, and seed drills. This sparked an interest in the connection between farming practices and conservation. 

Along with his wife, Sydney, and dog, Archie, John spends much of his time birding, cooking, restoring habitat, building community and rooting for the Detroit Lions.