An innovative national and local leader in the HIV/AIDS field, John has served as AIDS Foundation Chicago’s President and CEO since 2014. He previously led AFC’s advocacy and policy work at the city, state and national levels as vice president of policy. Peller is an accomplished nonprofit leader with particular expertise in policy, advocacy, programs, board development, grant management and operations.
At AFC, John is credited with launching and co-leading the Getting to Zero Illinois strategy, which aims to end the HIV epidemic in the state by 2030. Since becoming CEO, John has led development of three strategic plans and AFC’s first racial equity plan, which together drive the organization’s growth and expand AFC’s impact. Today, AFC improves the lives of over 8,000 people living with HIV a year through case management and provides housing to over 1,100 people living with HIV annually.
John started at AFC in 2005 as AFC’s state lobbyist. He worked in Springfield to enact sound HIV/AIDS public policy, defend the rights of people with HIV/AIDS, and advocate for increased services and prevention for people living and at risk for HIV/AIDS.
Before coming to AFC, John worked at the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center, National Association of State Medicaid Directors, and American Public Human Services Association. He has a Bachelor’s degree from the Johns Hopkins University and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Chicago. John was born and raised in New York City, and lives in Chicago with his husband, David Jablonowski and rescue dog Penny.
