John Hiester

John Hiester is a mission-driven leader dedicated to expanding opportunity and strengthening the organizations and teams that make it possible. In 20+ years working in the social impact sector he has helped teams and communities navigate growth, change, and impact across youth development, workforce development, educational access, and human services. His leadership is guided by a belief that lasting change happens when people feel seen, supported, and empowered to do their best work together.

John most recently served as Executive Director of Breakthrough Silicon Valley, where he guided the organization through eight years of growth, building a strong vision, strategies, and a purpose-aligned coalition to support first-generation college students on their path to and through college. Earlier, he worked with Year Up Bay Area as Silicon Valley Site Director and Director of Operations and Strategic Planning, helping the organization manage change and scale its model to serve more young adults seeking economic mobility. He has been working in support of communities in San Jose for the past 15 years.

John holds a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Kenyon College and an MBA from the Boston University Questrom School of Management. A native of the Denver area, he and his wife Kate have called the Bay Area home for 15 years. They live in Redwood City with their two dogs.  John is an avid mountain biker and generally a fan of being outdoors as much as possible.