John Cleary

John Cleary is a veteran business leader with deep expertise in accounting, finance, and charter school operations. His diverse career includes extensive experience in the construction industry and a strong track record of supporting expansive philanthropic partnerships—particularly with large public universities. A strategic thinker and collaborative doer, John thrives when managing targeted, outcomes-based initiatives, such as those led by the Plymouth, Michigan-based Thompson Foundation and the affiliated Thompson Educational Foundation, built by philanthropists Bob and Ellen Thompson.

John has temporarily stepped away from his role as Vice President of the Thompson Foundation to serve as Interim COO of Detroit 90/90, the nonprofit organization that operates University Prep Schools. His connection to U Prep spans more than two decades, beginning in 2003 when he played a key role in obtaining the charter authorization for what became the Public School Academies of Detroit (PSAD), the governing board for all U Prep school districts. He also oversaw the real estate development and construction of U Prep’s school campuses—work that helped shape the learning environments students thrive in today.

In addition to his foundation and school leadership work, John serves as the Treasurer of the Michigan Association of Public School Academies (MAPSA), where he supports and advocates for Michigan’s charter school sector. Prior to his time at the Thompson Foundation, he served as Vice President of Finance at a major construction company, bringing a practical and performance-driven lens to every leadership role he takes on.

John holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Michigan State University. He and his wife of 32 years, Cheryl, have four adult children. Outside of work, John enjoys tackling projects as an amateur handyman—a hobby that reflects his hands-on, solution-oriented mindset in both life and leadership.