Experience

John is co-chair of the firm’s Energy and Telecommunications Group. He focuses on representing municipalities nationwide on cable and telecommunications matters including the grant, renewal and transfer of cable franchises, Wi-Fi and Wi-Max (wireless) agreements, telecommunications matters, right of way matters, cellular tower zoning, cell tower leasing and FCC proceedings. He has worked with over 200 communities in 15 states on such matters. He also represents municipal and cooperative utilities and private parties on energy related matters.

Education

• University of Michigan Law School
  Ann Arbor, Michigan
  J.D., magna cum laude, 1975
• Yale University
  New Haven, Connecticut
  M.A., magna cum laude, 1972
• Harvard College
  Cambridge, Massachusetts
  B.A., magna cum laude, 1970

Recognition & Rankings

John received the Member of the Year award from the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors in 1996 for his work representing municipalities on the passage and implementation of the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 and received a Special Award of Merit from the Michigan Municipal League in 2006 for his state and national work on behalf of municipalities to preserve local cable franchising and control over the public rights-of-way.

Professional Activities

John is a former Chair of the Municipal Lawyers Section of the State Bar of Michigan and has served on the governing Council of that Section. He is a past Chairman of the Legal Section of the American Public Power Association and a member of the Grand Rapids Bar Association.

Community Activities

John is committed to community involvement at the local level. He has been a Trustee of the Harvard Glee Club Foundation, Secretary of the Grand Rapids area child abuse prevention agency, and a Board member of Hilltop House, an assisted living facility in Brattleboro, Vermont. Currently he is Secretary/Treasurer of a condominium association, on the board of a homeowner's association, and a member of the Finance Board of his church.