About ME
JOHN DZIURGOT
(pronounced Jer-got)
MBA, Advanced Certified Personal and Executive Coach (ACPEC) and Operations Consultant
It’s hard enough to keep a nonprofit running smoothly. Leading one through growth, change, or crisis? That’s a special skill.
John is a nationally recognized expert in operations leadership, organizational change, and strategic growth for nonprofits and mission-driven organizations. His career spans roles as a senior nonprofit executive, residential loan officer, adjunct college professor, food industry specialist, and certified executive coach. Today, he blends these experiences to help organizations of all kinds strengthen their operations and leadership teams.
“It’s not about telling people what to do,” John says. “It’s about helping them achieve what they want to do.”
John launched his nonprofit leadership journey in Michigan, where he transitioned from finance into food banking as the operations director at the Food Bank of Oakland County. He later helped implement a merger with Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan. Over 12+ years—most as vice president of operations—he helped one of the region’s most respected nonprofits double its annual assistance and streamline operations across multiple programs.
John has earned a Bachelor’s degree, an MBA, and advanced certifications in Executive Coaching (College of Executive Coaching), Food Safety Management, Forklift Training, and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP). He has taught business management as an adjunct professor at Baker College, served on multiple nonprofit boards, and led statewide disaster preparedness efforts as president of Michigan Volunteers Organized and Active in Disaster.
His tenure as Chief Operations Officer at Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans & Acadiana brought transformative improvements, including new racking systems, advanced inventory controls, and a full integration of volunteers into core operations—doubling organizational capacity.
Today, John provides consulting, interim leadership, and coaching support to nonprofits and socially responsible businesses across a range of sectors. His specialties include:
- Interim executive leadership during transitions
- Operations consulting to improve efficiency and compliance
- Strategic planning and change management
- Crisis response and recovery leadership
- Executive coaching for leadership growth
Leading and learning at every step, John is known for his practical, people-centered approach—helping organizations refine their processes, strengthen their teams, and build resilience for the future.
Certifications
The 501 Coach is certified by the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals as a Certified Food Manager.
What food safety certifications do they provide?
The 501 Coach is a certified forklift driver trainer.
My VIA strengths are: Fairness, Honesty, Humor, Spirituality, Gratitude.
The VIA Institute on Character is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the science of character strengths to the world.