John DeBlasio Chicago

Based in Chicago, John DeBlasio is a global entrepreneur who was appointed by Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner as Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Office of International Trade and Investment director in March 2015. A former U.S. Army Reserve lieutenant with the Civil Affairs branch, John DeBlasio returned to active duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and helped develop a trade promotion plan for the Iraqi Ministry of Trade.

Mr. DeBlasio established Sallyport Global Holdings in 2004 and provided vital support for Iraq postwar reconstruction efforts in ways that aligned with U.S. foreign policy goals. He enlarged construction, logistics, security, and base-operations support activities to span locations throughout Africa and the Middle East. After Sallyport’s sale in 2011, he established the Chicago company GPD Charitable Trust. The latter enterprise provides support to at-risk young adults and promotes democratic principles worldwide. Mr. DeBlasio also guides Bootstrap Capital, LLC, which offers entrepreneurs funds to grow venture companies without ceding ownership.