Honorary Colonel 48th Highlanders of Canada 2021-2024
John was born in Kirkland Lake, Ontario in 1955. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario, a Chartered Business Valuator and holds a B. Comm. (Honours) from Queen’s University.
As Partner Emeritus, of Birch Hill Equity Partners,a leading Canadian private equity firm, John contnues to be a representatve of Birch Hill on portolio company boards offering advice and support. John co-founded Birch Hill in 2005, and prior to that co-founded the Canadian mid-market Private Equity Group within TD Capital, Birch Hill’s predecessor organizaton.
He joined the Senate in 2015, was appointedHonorary Lieutenant Colonel in 2017 and Honorary Colonel in 2021. John was the first HCol of the Regiment without a military background.
During his tme as HLCol and HCol, he partcipated in the dedicaton of the Vimy Cross in France in 2017; the dedicaton of the plaque to the 48thin the town square of Ortona, Italy in 2018; the fundraising for, and then the purchase of the Girvan medals in 2022.
John is currently on TD Bank’s Board of Directors as well as a Director and past Chair of the YMCA of Greater Toronto. He has served on a number of corporate boards, including CCM Hockey, Home Equity Bank and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment.
Philanthropic work has included microfinance in developing countries. He was a Director of the Community Foundations of Canada, a Director and past Chair of the Toronto Foundaton, a Director and past Chair of Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation, a Director of St. Michael’s Hospital Foundaton, and Director of Calmeadow Foundaton.
He is a recipient of Queen’s University Alumni Association Humanitarian Award as well as the CVCA Community Leadership Award.
He is married to Jan, with three adult children, and two grandchildren.