Strategic Advisor

John C. Rogers boasts a multifaceted career encompassing business, politics, and government. John recently co-founded Goodland Advisors, a strategic advisory firm offering creative solutions for complex public affairs and communication challenges. Previously, he founded RL Leaders, a consulting enterprise serving the U.S. Government that has connected the national security and Hollywood/entertainment communities for over two decades. In 2022, John sold RL Leaders to his partners and stepped down as CEO, transitioning to a board position. John also established Capstone National Partners, a bipartisan government affairs firm with offices in Washington, D.C. and Milwaukee. Capstone’s goal is to assist purpose-driven organizations in effecting positive policy changes. John's entrepreneurial drive and dedication to public service have left a lasting mark on both companies and the clients they serve. John’s leadership extends beyond his own ventures, as he serves on the Boards of several private and non-profit entities. He is on the steering committee at National Security Leaders for America and the Advisory Board for HUB Security. He also serves on the Board of Directors at Le Ciel Global, where he actively participated in Le Ciel’s HVT symposiums in 2019, 2021, and 2023 and MV Transportation, where he was the interim CEO in 2017 and currently holds the position of Vice Chair. Additionally, John has served as the past Chair of the National Brain Aneurysm Foundation and the past Vice Chair of the Parkinson’s Action Network. In 2006, he spearheaded Michael J Fox’s political efforts on stem cells, contributing to the pivotal shift in the U.S. Senate. John has occupied a diverse array of senior roles in local, state, and federal government, including serving as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs, Director of the Senate Democratic Caucus for the State of Wisconsin, Ombudsman for Congressman Les Aspin, National Political Director for Les Aspin, Chairman of the Wisconsin Procurement Institute, and Commissioner for the Southeast Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission. In 2019, John released his inaugural book, "The Renaissance Campaign." In it, he explores deep applied creativity, offering a framework and the tools for organizations to overcome the challenges of turning blue-sky ideas into reality. John distilled the book’s essential lessons into his keynote address, "The Power of Perspective", delivered at the prestigious 75th Anniversary of Bretton Woods, imparting crucial insights from "The Renaissance Campaign" to business leaders and influencers. John attended Illinois State University and the University of Iowa and earned the distinction of being appointed as an Adjunct Fellow by the Center for Strategic and International Studies shortly after his tenure at the Pentagon. John now lives in Wisconsin with his wife, Diane, and their two dogs. John channels his creative energies into photography, writing, and occasionally painting. When not engaged in artistic pursuits, he enjoys biking, traveling, collecting wine, and cherishing moments with his two adult children, their spouses, and kids.