John oversees marketing communications programs for a diverse base of clients, including commodity boards, associations, foodservice, as well as restaurant and hospitality sectors.
   
Earlier in his career, John worked with public relations firms in Nashville and New York City, where he managed programs for clients, such as the Peanut Advisory Board, the Beef Industry Council, Frito-Lay, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and Twinings Teas of London.

While affiliated with the New York office of Ketchum Public Relations, John’s account team received a Silver Anvil Award from the Public Relations Society of America for the Peanut Advisory Board’s first Adults-Only Peanut Butter Lovers Fan Club Reunion, which also received the “Best Event Marketing” award from Adweek magazine.

John is an active member and previous president of the International Foodservice Editorial Council.  He is also a member of the Southeast Produce Council, International Association of Culinary Professionals, the James Beard Foundation, the Southern Foodways Alliance and the Southern Food and Beverage Museum.

Interesting fact:
My first job was sacking and stocking groceries.

Person I'd most like to have dinner with:
Julia Child...and I did!

Favorite quote:
"To be a success, you must be first, best or different.”