John Viste

John Viste grew up in Wausau, Wisconsin. After his retirement in 2015, he returned to Wisconsin and is actively involved in the Rhinelander community. John serves on the boards of several local and regional not-for-profit and volunteer organizations.

John’s professional career includes extensive experience in education, economic development, and humanitarian assistance. He was appointed Director of the West Bank/Gaza office of an educational and training organization in 1985, which launched a 22-year stint in the Middle East (occupied Palestinian territory, Egypt, and Lebanon) and one year in Eastern Europe (based in Budapest, Hungary).

Most recently, John worked for the Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service (WIPPS) in Wausau, part of the University of Wisconsin Colleges and Extension.

John holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from George Washington University in International Relations as well as an EdM from Harvard School of Education.

He is married to Elaine Strite and has three children – Magdalen, David, and Joseph. They now live on Bearskin Creek in Oneida County and enjoy spending their time in the nature around them!