John Phillips is a decorated US Army Retired Colonel and accomplished business executive who brings a strong legacy of excellence to Walden Businesses. He has leveraged his broad experience to build, turnaround, stabilize, and drive growth and value for mid-sized businesses and organizations.

John’s success as a business leader encompasses 35 years and spans the banking, community development, technology, and transportation and logistics industries where he increased business   value with operational, strategic, and analytical agility. During his commercial banking roles, John advised C-Suite clients on financing, refinancing, risk management, treasury management, business mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures.

John’s entrepreneurial tenacity includes 15 years as a founder, owner, and president of his own businesses where he completed and integrated three acquisitions for his company. While driving profitable growth, John pivoted between strategic vision and operational focus, delivering value-added client solutions for corporations, state and federal governments, and the DOD. 

John held multiple positions in the US Army Reserves prior to being called to active duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He earned promotions and formal recognition, including early promotion to Colonel and the Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star, and Legion of Merit. He retired after serving as Division Operations Officer, where he planned and managed all operations for a 3,000-soldier brigade.             

John is married and resides in Georgia and Virginia. He graduated with honors from Virginia Military Institute and holds an MBA from Virginia Tech. His son is also a graduate of Virginia Military Institute serving in the US Army Special Forces, and his daughter is a West Point graduate serving with the 101^st Airborne Division.