John Purcell discovered Yachats with his wife Jacqueline on a road trip in 2014, and in June of 2016, they made it their home. John and Jacqueline moved here from Palm Springs California.
John graduated from Gonzaga University in Washington. Following graduation, John worked for a year in Spokane before returning to Palm Springs in the Coachella Valley of Southern California to join his brother Frank in the lumber and hardware business. He next moved into commercial electrical construction, ultimately becoming the Senior VP and Division Manager of a large electrical contracting company in the Coachella Valley. For 15 years, John ran his own consulting firm there and then joined the staff of the construction department for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians where he held the title of Senior Project Manager. In that role, John helped to oversee the construction of the Spa Resort & Casino, Tribal Headquarters, the expansion of the Agua Caliente Casino Resort, hotel and showroom. The Coachella Valley is the traditional home of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.
In 2010 John was invited to join the “Friends of the Desert Mountains”, a Coachella Valley, non-profit, conservation organization responsible for the acquisition of over 50,000 acres of land in support of the area’s Multiple Species Conservation Plan. After one year he became Executive Director, a position he held until moving to Oregon. John’s experience in this conservation group and with a second conservation group “Friends of the Indian Canyons” has prepared him with knowledge and experience that make him a valuable member and leader for VtF and the Yachats community.
Since coming to Yachats, John and Jacqueline have both been active, members of the community, volunteering on City Commissions, Committees, and local events. John became a natural fit for View the Future with his experience in conservation, First Nation people, broad knowledge areas and the fact that he is a great guy to work with.
Take time to meet John and you will find his ready smile will make your day a better one.
