John has been fortunate to live near the ocean his entire life. Raised in Brooklyn, NY, he spent summers in Western Long Island, where he learned to surf and his passion for the ocean was born. After high school, John made his way to the West Coast, where he graduated from USC and now calls Southern California and the ‘Left Coast’ his home. 

Through family trips to surf destinations around the world, John received a firsthand look at the destruction of the ocean and marine environments, which became his catalyst for getting involved and making a difference. John continues to be an active volunteer with his local Surfrider Foundation chapter, holding various leadership positions and has participated in numerous campaigns and programs focused on ocean and coastal conservancy. 

Professionally, John has enjoyed a 30+ year career in commercial real estate with Colliers  International, where he helped launch and grow the healthcare real estate vertical. Over his career, John has been fortunate to work with hospitals, physicians, and developers to expand healthcare access across Southern California. 

John lives in Newport Beach, CA, with his wife Shannon and two college-age sons, who are all ingrained with a deep respect and love for the ocean.