John Burns

Director of Corporate Engagement

His role in SPIRE is to forge more holistic partnerships with companies to utilize more of the myriad UMaine assets to address those partners’ issues, challenges, and opportunities, for mutual benefit and the benefit of the State, region, and beyond.

Prior to working with the Office of SPIRE, John served as the inaugural Managing Director of Maine Venture Fund, the State of Maine’s venture capital fund, where he contributed to Maine economic development by investing in promising early stage Maine companies that had the potential to create, and have created, significant impact.

John enjoys listening to an eclectic mix of music, but singled out Americana as his jam of choice. Last year, John toured the country with his family via towed RV trailer. He plays in a local band and was also invited to join the Foreign Service.

He recently joined the SPIRE team in November of 2022 and is blazing trails in his new position.