2026 Speakers
Discover the industry leaders, innovators, and thought leaders who will be sharing their insights at Data Center World. Our carefully curated lineup of speakers brings together diverse perspectives and cutting-edge expertise to deliver valuable content tailored to your professional growth.
John Stephenson, Vice President, Public Policy, Global, Vantage Data Centers
John Stephenson is the Vice President, Public Policy, Global for Vantage Data Centers. In this role, John leads the organization responsible for government affairs, economic development, and community engagement for Vantage in current and future markets worldwide. Under John’s leadership, the Public Policy team has grown from one person to a global team of professionals that has delivered results on proposed legislation, regulations, and key government decisions, thereby reducing business costs, accelerating project timelines, and strengthening Vantage’s reputation as an industry leader and community partner.
Prior to joining Vantage, John held executive policy leadership roles for leading companies including Amazon and Rivian Automotive, and he led policy and advocacy for major issue advocacy organizations. He also previously served as a senior aide focused on defense and domestic policies for a senior Member of the US Congress.
Among his many professional achievements are leading successful crisis response teams, winning multijurisdictional campaigns on tax reform and government modernization, and creating a first-of-its-kind geopolitical risk assessment team. For his efforts at Amazon, John received the “Most Valuable Amazonian” award. He is also a recognized thought leader on a variety of policy issues including digital infrastructure, energy, taxation, data protection, and economic development.
John is a frequent public speaker and commentator with numerous appearances as a subject matter expert in legislative hearings, on television, and in publications such as The Wall Street Journal. John is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Information Technology Industry Council, a leading technology trade association, and TechFreedom, a non-profit, non-partisan U.S.-based think tank focused on technology policy.
Originally from Pennsylvania, John is a magna cum laude graduate with honors from Lafayette College. He resides in Arlington, Virginia with his wife and their two rescue cats. Outside of work, John is an aviator.