John graduated from Siena with a Bachelor’s in Business Accounting and continued on to obtain his Juris Doctorate from Fordham University School of Law ’83.  John spent his professional life as a Senior Tax Consultant with a history of handling large, complex IRS challenges on behalf of industrial companies.  In his retirement, John continues to use his skills and years of experience to do pro bono work helping resolve difficult tax problems for those in need of his services.

John met his wife, Mary (Ryan ’83) Held at Siena and they have one son, Michael and one daughter, Elizabeth. John and Mary reside in Troy, NY and Sarasota, FL.  The Helds have stayed connected to Siena in a variety of ways, and John shares his enjoyment of serving on the Board, particularly the camaraderie with the other trustees. 

John serves on several Board Committees.  He finds the work interesting and appreciates the opportunity to have direct input with faculty and staff on diverse topics. True to his Siena education, John considers himself a lifelong learner as he approaches the knowledge he gains as a trustee.

Of the many experiences John has enjoyed as a Siena Saint, he cites the 2018 Pilgrimage to Franciscan Italy as a highlight. His experiences outside of Siena include playing pickup basketball with Kevin Bacon from 1980 – 1981 as well as passing a sad historic milestone as one of those in the crowd outside The Dakota apartments on the night John Lennon was shot.