John Ellis served for almost three decades in the Canadian Armed Forces and currently works as a consultant with a focus on the arts and politics. John also has over four decades of experience as a professional musician. He's performed with most of Canada's major orchestras and backed up musical legends such as Doc Severinson and Dame Cleo Laine. Beyond the stage, he’s a trusted consultant in the arts, politics, and business sectors — offering insight grounded in real-world experience. Over the past 10 years, he’s advised organizations on governance, board development, and campaign strategy, and served as campaign manager for both municipal and federal elections. His diverse background brings a unique blend of discipline, creativity, and strategic thinking to every role he takes on.
John holds a Bachelor of Music from McGill University and an MBA from Royal Roads University. He lives in Victoria with his wife Elisabeth and daughter Bronwyn '27.