John Longhurst is a communicator, marketer, author, editor, columnist, and media relations specialist in Winnipeg.
In his current role as Director of Resources and Public Engagement at Canadian Foodgrains Bank, Longhurst is responsible for the overall communications, marketing, and fundraising efforts of the organization.
Foodgrains is an ecumenical organization, owned by 15 Canadian churches and church-based agencies.
“I find that endlessly fascinating,” Longhurst says, “because I get to interact with so many different people with so many different points of view.”
Originally from St. Catharines, ON, Longhurst has had an indelible influence in the Mennonite world and beyond throughout his 35-year career.
He has overseen marketing and communications work at Mennonite Publishing Network, CMU, Mennonite Economic Development Associates, and Mennonite Central Committee Canada.
Since 2003, Longhurst has written a weekly faith column for the Winnipeg Free Press, and in 2006, he shared his expertise in the book, Making the News: An Essential Guide for Effective Media Relations.
“I was just always curious about why people did the things they did, how things happened, how decisions were made, how the world ticked—endlessly fascinated with it,” Longhurst says of why he became a writer. “I wanted to tell stories and kind of interpret the world.”
Today, one of Longhurst’s greatest joys is mentoring the next generation of communicators.
“I like working with younger staff, helping them find joy and meaning, watching them grapple with a completely different communications world,” he says.
Longhurst attends St. Benedict’s Table. He and his wife, Christine, have two adult children.