John Cantlen brings nearly three decades of leadership and management experience from his roles at Swenson, a multigenerational real estate development and construction company headquartered in San Jose. Since joining the firm in 1996, John has played a pivotal role in helping shape the Silicon Valley landscape, supervising complex residential, commercial, and mixed-use construction projects.

John’s journey into the world of stroke hit home in 2019, when his mother, Carol Cantlen, suffered a life-altering stroke. Thanks to the swift and expert care provided by Dr. Harmeet Sachdev and the team at Good Samaritan Hospital, Carol survived with her cognitive abilities largely intact, though she faced lasting physical challenges including paralysis. In parallel with this event his mentor and employer, the legendary Barry Swenson, was rehabilitating from an equally debilitating stroke.

These deeply personal experiences gave John a profound understanding of the multifaceted nature of stroke recovery, the clinical intricacies, the emotional strain, and the importance of community support. Through his mother’s six-year journey, he witnessed firsthand the strength, humor, and resilience required to face such adversity. Both Carol and Barry inspired John with their tenacity and grace to persevere through there advertises.

Now, following the recent passing of both his mother and Barry, John is committed to honoring their lives by advancing stroke awareness, prevention, and support for survivors and their families. He joins the board with humility, a full heart, and a desire to give back to the community that once supported him. His goal is to contribute meaningfully to initiatives that increase education, drive advocacy, and bring compassionate care to those impacted by stroke.