Before he came to MCC Brussels John was an independent political and communications consultant based in Washington DC. Over his career, he has had leadership positions at many advocacy and campaigning organisations, giving voice to those who support freedom of speech, conscience and bodily autonomy as core values and moral imperatives. He is a leader in developing global strategies to advance political and social reform and has worked with others to successfully bring about policy and law changes in numerous countries. He has worked on five continents with political leaders, advocates, and healthcare professionals to bolster their communications and advocacy and to make gains, especially in reproductive health for women and trying to balance religious and secular values - an area which is especially important for him. Originally from the Republic of Ireland, he is married, has one college-attending daughter and a very thoughtful cat called Socrates. His hope for MCC Brussels is that we fight for freedom to think, freedom to debate and freedom to follow our own conscience.