About John
John Friesen is an award-winning strategic communications and media relations leader with 20 years of storytelling expertise across the energy, government, healthcare, and technology sectors.
Recognized for crafting comprehensive media and communications strategies, John is an expert at strengthening brand affinity, managing crises with precision, and shaping public opinion to drive organizational growth, engagement, and visibility.
In his current role, John leads a dynamic communications team at Alectra Utilities, Canada’s largest municipally-owned electric utility, serving over one million customers across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). As a trusted leader and media spokesperson, he manages all public-facing communications during power outages, storms, and crises. He also oversees external digital properties, including social media, advertising, publications, and analytics, while providing strategic counsel to the CEO, executive leadership, and board members.
John’s talent for collaborative leadership, building consensus, and managing by influence has been instrumental in guiding both public and private organizations through transformative change. His ability to unite teams around shared goals is a hallmark of his career.
An active contributor to the professional community, John served as President of the Waterloo Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) and is a frequent guest lecturer for Niagara College’s Post-graduate Public Relations program.
His achievements are widely recognized, including receiving an IABC Silver Leaf "Award of Excellence" and four IABC Gold Quill Awards, one of which was the prestigious “Best of the Best.” He has also earned a Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) Pinnacle Gold Award and was honoured with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 for his contributions to community building.
John is committed to lifelong learning. He is currently pursuing ongoing studies at Wilfrid Laurier University to complement his existing credentials in Public Relations and Communications from the University of Winnipeg and Duke University. His academic background also includes diplomas in Digital Marketing (University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management), Strategic Management (McMaster University, DeGroote School of Business), and Digital Literacy and Emerging Technologies (Wilfrid Laurier University).
Notable Accolades & Awards
