Role with WIRE-Net

John is the chief executive of the organization and is responsible for leading and managing all programs, staff, and objectives of the organization.  He also supports the Board of Directors and coordinates its committees. He leads the organization’s fundraising efforts and directs the fiscal affairs of the organization, including the annual audit & reports to funders & stakeholders.

Background

John is the founding director of the WIRE-Net, which he has directed since 1986.  He grew up in Washington, DC and in Taiwan (where he learned Mandarin). Mr. Colm is a graduate of the State University of NY at Buffalo, where he completed his undergraduate studies in Environmental Design and Planning. The National Development Council certified him as an Economic Development Finance Professional in 1994.  John received certification in the Appreciative Inquiry method from Case Weatherhead School of Management in 2004.  Prior to joining WIRE-Net he worked in the private non-profit and public sector, including the campaigns of Ohio Governor Richard Celeste in 1982 and 1986, and the staff of Councilman Jay Westbrook.