John Heller

John Heller has a diverse work experience spanning various roles and industries. John is currently the Chief Executive at the Presencing Institute since 2022. Prior to this, they served as the CEO of Little Sun from 2018 to 2022, where they led an innovative social enterprise focused on delivering affordable clean energy solutions in Africa. Before that, they worked at The Synergos Institute, starting as an Associate Director in 2000 and gradually progressing to Senior Director and Managing Director roles. At Synergos, they were involved in poverty alleviation initiatives, provided consultancy services to corporations and philanthropists, and led initiatives in various sectors such as health, agriculture, and indigenous communities. Earlier in their career, John worked as the Principal/Investor at The Heller Group, a commercial real estate firm, and as a Senior Program Coordinator at CIEE Council on International Educational Exchange. John began their career as a Community Development Volunteer with the Peace Corps, where they initiated health and nutrition projects and secured grants for community development activities.

John Heller completed their Master's degree in International Affairs, with a focus on Economic and Political Development, from Columbia | SIPA in the years 1998 to 2000. Prior to that, they obtained a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Anthropology from Haverford College between 1985 and 1989. In terms of additional certifications, John obtained a certification titled "Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management" from Harvard Business School Executive Education in June 2021.