John was named one of Crain’s Chicago's Notable LGBTQ Executives. He and his husband moved to River Forest during COVID and live on the LemonAid block of Bonnie Brae where he puts out all the LemonAid yard signs. With a long history of community organizing, John became River Forest Township Supervisor in May 2024 after serving as River Forest Township Clerk. 

He's currently Co-Chair of OPALGA+, now being rebranded as Out with Purpose. During his 3.5 years on the Board, their communication reach has tripled, funding has reached a record high, and they have awarded the most scholarship dollars in their history. (In 2025, OPALGA+ awarded $60,000 in scholarships and they plan to award up to $100,000 in 2026.)  The organization was established in 1989 and is now one of the largest LGBTQIA2S+ membership organizations in Illinois.  

John will speak on how DEI impacts the LGBTQIA2S+ community. He'll cover the history of OPALGA+, legal considerations before Trump, recent attacks on our community and how to be an ally, before some Q&A.