Executive Director of Gulf Coast Heritage Association and Historic Spanish Point John is a native Floridian and has lived in Sarasota for most of his life. John attended Pine View High School and received his BS from Goshen College (Indiana). Prior to joining the team at Historic Spanish Point, John was employed as the Executive Director of SCOPE. In 2012 John retired after working 33 years with Sarasota County Government, having served as Environmental Specialist, County Historian and Director of Parks and Recreation. John has served as President of the Historical Society of Sarasota County for two terms, and served as President of the Florida Recreation and Parks Association Foundation. John is a frequent presenter of local history lectures, educational programs and tours and has written a number of articles for Sarasota Magazine.