John P. DeBlasio is an American entrepreneur, corporate leader, philanthropist, and U.S. military veteran with a driving motivation to positively change the world. He currently represents the General Partner of DT Global and DT Institute in the role of Chairman and is the Founder and Executive Director of the Global Peace and Development (GPD) Charitable Trust, Managing Director of Bootstrap Capital, and Chairman of Continuity Global Solutions. John received degrees from United States Military Academy at West Point, New York and University of South Carolina and completed studies at the School of Advanced Military Studies at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas. Following this, he served for 21 years in the U.S. military, receiving a Bronze Star Medal and a Joint Service Commendation Medal. After holding senior positions at General Electric (GE) Company and META Group, John went on to co-found Sallyport Global Services, the largest provider of security and facilities management services to USAID prime contractors and other U.S. and multilateral agencies operating in Iraq. John’s experience in these sectors inspired his commitment for sustainable, transformative philanthropic efforts.
What is the one thing in this world that you are most proud of?
In 2011, after I successfully sold Sallyport, I took the “Gates-Buffett Giving Pledge '' subsequently dedicating more than half (~85%) of my net worth to charitable causes by establishing the Global Peace and Development (GPD) Charitable Trust. Since inception, GPD has committed over $15 million in charitable contributions to over 23 organizations globally, with the primary goal of creating more opportunity for others to promote peace and democracy worldwide.
What's your favorite thing to do on weekends?
Sail, travel, and spend time with dear friends and family.
What's the one piece of advice you would give others about life?
You have a role to play in changing the arc of history.
