The John & Janice Wyatt Foundation was founded in July 2018 by John and his wife, Jan, after a successful career in designing, building, and scaling technology companies. John was a serial entrepreneur in software and technology companies, dedicating his time to finding and implementing innovative solutions to improving equality of opportunity through education and social programs.
Prior to establishing the Foundation, John served as the Vice President of Synopsis, Inc in 2017, and led Cigital, Inc as the Chairman and CEO for many years. A 25-year veteran of the technology consulting industry, John had an impressive track record of maximizing profit performance and technology innovation. He continued the company's thought leadership, expanded the company's offerings, and attracted new talent.
John's career included a string of successes going back to the late 1980s and early 1990s as CEO of James Martin & Co. There, he transformed the company from a boutique methods consulting firm in North America to an innovative global solutions company in 18 countries with 800 staff and revenue of $100M. In the early 2000’s, John was the CEO of Ariel Research Corp., a services firm dedicated to safe and responsible handling, manufacturing and transporting of chemicals throughout the world. He led the creation of the e-business software division for MicroStrategy and was CEO of OneSoft.
Born in Rose Park, South Australia on December 25th, 1951, John moved with his family to
Sydney, New South Wales at the age of 8. John spoke fondly of his years at James Ruse Agricultural High School. In 1974 he received his Bachelor of Economics, Statistics, and Operational Research from the University of New England (AU) in Armidale, New South Wales. After graduation, he started work with Arthur Andersen in Australia. It was this work with Arthur Andersen which ultimately brought him to the United States. After a short visit back to Australia, he returned to the US in 1978. John obtained dual citizenship on April 30, 2004.
As he raised his family and witnessed the educational disparities among youth in the public school system, John and Jan established this philanthropic initiative with the goal of leveling the playing field – through education – for disadvantaged children. The Wyatt family firmly believe that, by creating equity
Born in Rose Park, South Australia on December 25th, 1951, John moved with his family to Sydney, New South Wales at the age of 8. John spoke fondly of his years at James Ruse Agricultural High School. In 1974 he received his Bachelor of Economics, Statistics, and Operational Research from the University of New England (AU) in Armidale, New South Wales. After graduation, he started work with Arthur Andersen in Australia. It was this work with Arthur Andersen which ultimately brought him to the United States. After a short visit back to Australia, he returned to the US in 1978. John obtained dual citizenship on April 30, 2004.
As he raised his family and witnessed the educational disparities among youth in the public school system, John and Jan established this philanthropic initiative with the goal of leveling the playing field – through education – for disadvantaged children. The Wyatt family firmly believe that, by creating equity for the whole child, these kids ultimately will have the best chance to succeed in school and thus become strong, contributing citizens in our communities.
for the whole child, these kids ultimately will have the best chance to succeed in school and thus become strong, contributing citizens in our communities.
The Foundation’s five key principles to affect this positive change are: Excellence & Accountability; Community & Family; Tolerance & Respect; Justice & Fairness; and Self-Reliance & Collaboration. Through this lens, the Foundation looks to achieve collective impacts in the targeted localities by acting as a grant maker in collaborative, engaged communities. The John & Janice Wyatt Foundation partners with non-profits and school districts to develop or enhance evidence-based solutions to complex problems, measure impact, and then evaluate and adjust, as needed.
The Foundation currently operates in three distinct geographical service areas: Dorchester County, MD; Fairfax County, VA; and Winchester, VA. As the Foundation continues to make investments and evaluate program outcomes, we may look to scale out successful activities more broadly across the region.
Although John Wyatt passed away in May 2025, his legacy lives on through the Foundation and with his family. He will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, caring nature, insistence on excellence, and unyielding belief in his principles. He was the proud father of three children who also believe that it is possible to break the cycle of generational poverty by improving the educational opportunities and outcomes of our children and families most in need.
Although John Wyatt passed away in May 2025, his legacy lives on through the Foundation and with his family. He will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, caring nature, insistence on excellence, and unyielding belief in his principles. He was the proud father of three children who also believe that it is possible to break the cycle of generational poverty by improving the educational opportunities and outcomes of our children and families most in need.
