John Grubb is Chief Strategy and Growth Officer at the Bay Area Council, where he leads organizational strategy, growth initiatives, executive engagement, and major cross-sector efforts focused on the future economic competitiveness of the San Francisco-Silicon Valley Bay Area.
Over more than two decades with the Council, John has helped shape and advance many of the organization’s most significant initiatives involving technology and innovation, international engagement, housing, transportation, energy, economic development, and regional competitiveness. He works closely with CEOs, elected officials, research institutions, and civic leaders to develop and implement strategies that strengthen the Bay Area’s position as a global center for innovation and opportunity.
John previously served as Interim President & CEO, Chief Operating Officer, Senior Vice President of External Affairs, and Vice President of Communications for the organization. During his tenure, he has helped lead major public policy campaigns, expand the Council’s regional and international presence, strengthen partnerships with Fortune 500 companies and philanthropic organizations, and support the growth of initiatives focused on emerging technologies, infrastructure, workforce development, and global business connections.
Before joining the Bay Area Council, John worked at global communications firms Hill & Knowlton and Porter Novelli, developing and executing public affairs and strategic communications campaigns for Fortune 500 clients. Earlier in his career, he founded and operated a restaurant in Costa Rica. John founded the Sleepy Hollow Charitable Foundation and has served on numerous civic and policy Boards throughout California. He is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and San Francisco University High School and lives in Marin County with his wife and two children.
