John has been President and Chief Executive Officer of Conestoga Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning since 1987. In that time Conestoga has moved forward into a leadership position in the Ontario college system.

Dr. Tibbits holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Diploma in Education from McGill University, a Master of Education degree from the University of Vermont and a Doctorate in Education from Boston University. He has held senior administrative positions at Dawson College in Montreal, Touche Ross & Partners in Ottawa and Canada Post Corporation in Ottawa.

Currently he is a member of the Board of Cambridge North Dumfries Hydro, the Accelerator Network, Canada's Technology Triangle, Business and Education Partnership and Polytechnics Canada and also on the campaign cabinet for United Way. Dr. Tibbits has also been Chair of Grand River Hospital and a Board member on the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, the March of Dimes, Skills Canada (Ontario), Thyssen Krupp Budd Canada, and Communitech, and was President of the Chicopee Tennis Club.

In 2000 Dr. Tibbits was voted Business Leader of the Year by The Chamber of Commerce of Kitchener and Waterloo. He was also presented with the Impact Award by Communitech, which recognizes the individual who has shown significant commitment, support and dedication to the development of Communitech.