John Sydnor

From humble beginnings in Lynchburg, Virginia, John Sydnor has crafted an illustrious career in community and economic development. His life's purpose, characterized by dedicated service and impactful leadership roles, spans over three decades in the nonprofit sector. His innate spirit of collaboration has consistently made him a driving force for positive change within the communities he serves. His extensive expertise covers many areas, driven by his genuine commitment to societal transformation. Holding a Master's in Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Commonwealth University, his professional journey has included pivotal positions in community wealth building, environmental preservation, and promoting sustainable economic development. He has garnered numerous accolades throughout his career, including the Virginia Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence and recognition from the Virginia Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. His dedication to effecting change at the community level is underscored by his roles on the National Association of Park Foundations Board of Directors and the Virginia Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee. In the nonprofit sector, he takes pride in his contributions to transformative fundraising initiatives, actively participating in campaigns that have collectively raised nearly $75 million. Additionally, he has played a central role in restoring significant historical sites in Richmond and initiating TreeLab, a program that rejuvenated the city's tree nursery. Beyond his professional endeavors, he is an avid enthusiast of the outdoors, history, and technology. His childhood experiences in nature have evolved into passions for hiking, biking, running, and camping. Furthermore, he nurtures interests in history, music, and technology and enjoys building computers with his son.