About our team

John joined the Gilliland Group in 2012 and serves our clients as Senior Portfolio Manager working with successful families across the country as well as a number of businesses, statewide trade associations and nonprofits to help them achieve their financial goals.  He manages client portfolios on a discretionary basis within RBC’s Portfolio Focus Advisory Program.  John’s prior experience as an attorney trained him to zealously advocate for our clients and find solutions to allow them to prosper.  

John and his wife, Holly, celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in 2021 and have four children, including twins. The family are members of the Van Meter United Methodist Church. They serve in several volunteer roles with the performing arts and athletic programs in the Van Meter Community Schools where John is an elected member of the board. John is the sports announcer for varsity baseball and basketball as well as junior high and junior varsity football. He is past president of the board of Prevent Child Abuse Iowa and currently serves on the board of the Dallas County Foundation.

John is a member of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, Associated General Contractors of Iowa, Master Builders of Iowa and the Iowa Bar Association.

John earned his bachelor’s degree from Cornell College and his law degree from Creighton University in 1993. Holly has a master’s degree in education from the University of Northern Iowa.