John is trained as an engineer and self-educated in investments and finance. John is committed to human development and the collective good. These commitments are rooted in John’s faith and the examples of his parents and heroes.

John is an adjunct professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UW–Madison where he strives to connect academics with practice. John is also Chief Technical Officer of Fitzgerald Asset Management specializing in sustainable infrastructure investments, defined as those initiatives that make meaningful difference in human transactions with the environment. Previously, John served at Affiliated Engineers for over 25 years. Under John’s leadership as CEO, the firm designed building systems and infrastructure for large and complicated projects that helped improve the human condition and quality of life, like labs, hospitals, performing arts centers, historical preservations, and more.

John received an MS in Mechanical Engineering from UW–Madison. He also holds an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering, Magna Cum Laude from Bradley University, and an Honorary Doctorate from Ripon College. John is a licensed Professional Engineer.

John serves as an emeritus member of the UW Madison Nelson Institute and the UW Foundation boards. John has served on and as chair of the Youth for Christ – Madison board, the UW College of Engineering Industrial Advisory board, the UW Center for Advanced Studies of Business board, the Green Lake Association board, and various other community, business and university committees and boards.

John and his wife Linda support Second Harvest of Southern Wisconsin, the Dane County Salvation Army, and the Morris Animal Foundation. They have enjoyed decades of life with a long line of Golden Retrievers.

Others have complimented John for his ability to think deeply and differently at scale, to synthesize and integrate concepts, and to persevere.