Board of Trustees

Finance & Advancement Committees
John Leone

Chairman

Gary Sievewright

Email: gsievewright@stjohnsnorthwestern.org Personal Summary: Gary Sievewright has been a dedicated supporter of St. John’s Northwestern for over 15 years, drawn to its mission and the transformative power of private education in shaping future leaders. He joined the SJNA Board in 2022 as a non-alumnus, bringing extensive governance experience and a deep commitment to institutional excellence. In the fall of 2024, Gary was honored to become Board Chair, where he now leads with vision and collaboration alongside faculty, staff, and fellow trustees. Professionally, Gary serves as a Managing Director at Raymond James and continues to contribute his expertise across three additional boards. He is passionate about education, leadership development, and community service. Outside of his professional and philanthropic endeavors, Gary enjoys life with his wife Sherry, their two grown children, and his daughter-in-law. When not working or volunteering, he can often be found on the golf course or exploring the country in his motorhome.

Board Member

Brian Blazer

Email: bblazer@stjohnsnorthwestern.org

Personal Summary: I graduated from St. John’s Northwestern Academy in 1989, and the values I learned here have guided me ever since. My career has included teaching at the high school and community college levels, as well as leadership roles in the finance, technology, and manufacturing sectors. Serving on the Board is an opportunity to give back to the institution that set me on my path.

Chair, Finance Committee

Neil Fairfield

Email: nfairfield@stjohnsnorthwestern.org

Personal Summary: Neil is currently Chief Accounting Officer and has nearly 30 years of finance experience, including as Chief Accounting Officer of CDW Corporation, and various positions with HSBC Holdings plc and JPMorganChase. Neil is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales and holds an FCA. He is a graduate of the University of Nottingham, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law and Politics. Neil is a parent of a past SJNA student (Daniel, Class of 2021)

Vice Chair

Andrew Filipowski

Email: afilipowski@stjohnsnorthwestern.org

Personal Summary: Honored Old Boy SJMA Class of 1968… Founder, Chairman & CEO, Platinum Technology, Inc… Founder, Chairman & Co CEO Fluree, PBC…

Board Member

David Hardt

Email: dhardt@stjohnsnorthwestern.org

Personal Summary: A proud alumnus of Northwestern Military & Naval Academy, Class of ’95, David is currently the CEO of Front Row, an omnichannel agency built to scale consumer brands. He currently resides in Edina, Minnesota, with his wife and three children

Chair-Emeritus

Mike Henn

Email: mhenn@stjohnsnorthwestern.org

Personal Summary: Served on the SJN Board of Trustees for approximately 21 years, including Board Chair from 2019-2024. Now semi-retired after a successful career as CFO and senior executive of 3 Fortune 500 companies, including extensive experience formulating and executing high-level corporate strategy, finance responsibilities, and governance.

OBAA President

Michael Hoover

Email: mhoover@stjohnsnorthwestern.org

Personal Summary: 55 years in the Hospitality Industry. Retired, living in Delafield.

Finance & Advancement Committees

John Leone

Email: jleone@stjohnsnorthwestern.org

Personal Summary: President and CEO of Bonney Forge and a member of the SJNA Board of Trustees since 2013. My involvement with SJNA began when my son, Rick, attended the Military Academy and graduated in 1975. I continue to support SJNA as a board member and donor in honor of my son.

Ex Officio

Scott Allen Seefeldt

Email: sseefeldt@stjohnsnorthwestern.org

Personal Summary: The Rev. Scott Allen Seefeldt serves as rector of Zion Episcopal Church in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. He is the father of an SJNA graduate, and like Academy founder Sydney Smythe, studied for ministry at nearby Nashotah House Theological Seminary.