John Paolini

— Partner, Chief Creative Officer

As Partner and Chief Creative Officer, John helps lead the agency, its clients, and a team of deeply talented creatives. With over 25 years in the industry, John brings a deeply human, honest, and compelling perspective to every organization he has the good fortune to touch—and it’s been one love affair after another. In his 17 years at Sullivan, John has worked with some of the world’s most recognizable brands, such as American Express, IBM, Bank of America, Barnes and Noble, Human Rights Watch, Cornell Tech, Weill Cornell Medicine, and Brown University.

Prior to joining Sullivan, John held roles as Creative Director at Siegel+Gale and Design Director at Waters Design.

John has BFA in graphic design and art history from Ohio University and an MFA in Communication design, VCUARTs. John also serves on Leadership Council for the Ohio University School of Fine Arts, lecturing at Columbia College’s School of Architecture Graduate Program, Columbia University School of Business, Pratt Institute Graduate Communications Design, and Ohio University Undergraduate Graphic design.

When he’s not at work, John can be found working on one of his many passion projects, including “Honestly Stolen,” his collection of permanently borrowed ash trays, match boxes, and menus from around the world.