Dr. John Konarski

Dr. John Konarski is the Chief Executive Officer of the American Geographical Society (AGS). Before joining AGS in 2013, Dr. Konarski spent a decade as a strategic advisor in Brazil for companies developing and executing American-style retail concepts in the Brazilian market, helping them to transform their product/service lines and better position themselves in a highly competitive marketplace. Prior to working in Brazil, Dr. Konarski was the Senior Vice President of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and Executive Director of the ICSC Educational Foundation. As Senior Vice President, Dr. Konarski was responsible for all government, research, education, and media relations for the shopping center industry, and worked closely with the institutional finance community regarding retail real estate issues in different geographies across the globe. He also served as the primary spokesperson for the shopping center and retail industry in North America. Dr. Konarski has served on numerous boards of trustees and advisory boards, including serving as a Councilor of the AGS. Dr. Konarski holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Le Moyne College, a Master’s degree from the University of Dayton, and a Doctoral Degree (PhD) from Syracuse University. Dr. Konarski lives in White Plains, New York with his family.