John Lawson is a native Appalachian and has spent the vast majority of his 61+ years living there. He has a deep love for the region, its mountains, its culture, and its people.

Through his work with Red Rocket Nonprofits, he conducts grant writing and development efforts on behalf of his nonprofit clients.

His experience includes acquiring grant funding, building grant development infrastructure for organizations, managing and complying with award contracts, and developing messaging and relationships with funders.

He is a graduate of Clemson University, a certified grant writer through Western Carolina University, and has completed the extensive certification program of WNC Nonprofit Pathways.