The Power - and the Art - of Compromise

John McAlister has always been drawn to the intersection of people, policy, and purpose. His interest in government and politics took root early, eventually leading him to Washington and Lee University, where he dove into the school’s renowned mock presidential nominating convention. That experience sparked a career that began on Capitol Hill and later transitioned into lobbying for Duke Energy and other organizations, helping to navigate complex public policy issues.

“Politics gets a bad rap, which I understand” John says. “But it's all about compromise, and that's part of everything—church leadership, the PTA, even marriage. It’s how we work through differences.” That belief in the value of compromise has guided him throughout his career, including his work on North Carolina’s groundbreaking Clean Smokestacks Act in the early 2000s. “It took two years of negotiation. But it worked because people came to the table willing to listen and adjust.”

John’s connection to MMC is deeply personal. His mother received care here during her battle with dementia, and decades earlier, Dr. Edwards performed life-saving heart surgery on John’s wife. “He saved us twice,” John reflects. “That kind of care leaves a mark. It’s why I wanted to give back.”

Now retired and consulting part-time, John brings to our board a wealth of experience and a deep respect for collective wisdom. “I don’t come in with all the answers,” he says. “I come in ready to listen, contribute what I can, and help guide decisions that hopefully reflect the needs of our whole community.”